Yellowhead wrasse (Halichoeres garnoti)

Scientific name: Halichoeres garnoti Valenciennes, 1839

The Yellowhead wrasse (Halichoeres garnoti) is a marine fish of the family Labridae. In the aquarium it needs water at 23–27°C (73–81°F). Native range: Western Atlantic, Bermuda and southern Florida, USA to southeastern Brazil.

Yellowhead wrasse care at a glance

Temperature: 23–27°C (73–81°F)

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 12. Juveniles yellow with silvery blue stripe along side. Super males (terminal males), have black vertical bar behind tip of pectoral fin, merging with broad black area on upper side, continuing to top of caudal peduncle and upper caudal fin. One of the easiest wrasses to identify at all its stages.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Halichoeres garnoti
Family: Labridae (Wrasses)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 19.3
Depth range: 2–80 m (7–262 ft)
Environment: Marine; reef-associated; depth range 2 - 80 m, usually 4 - 60 m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Western Atlantic: Bermuda and southern Florida, USA to southeastern Brazil.
Conservation status (IUCN): Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Aquarium: commercial
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)