Rock wrasse
(Halichoeres semicinctus)
Image source: uwkwaj | inaturalist.org
General data
Scientific names:
Rock wrasse
Habitat:
Saltwater
Climate:
Subtropical
Native to coast of:
North America
Eastern Pacific: Point Conception in California, USA to Guadalupe Island (off north-central Baja California) and the Gulf of California in Mexico.
Max length: 38 cm TL
Found close to rocks near patches of sand and in tide pools. Dart into sand when disturbed and sleep at night buried in sand with head protruding. Feed on gastropods, small crustaceans and has been observed to pick ectoparasites from other fishes. Each individual functions first as female but changes to a male at length of about 30 cm. Pelagic spawners.
