The Rock Wrasse – Halichoeres semicinctus. In Mexico, this fish is known as Senorita Piedrera. Below is the female and male rock wrasses.

rock-wrasse-male-female

The wrasses are in the Labridae family, and many are colorful.

Identifying Characteristics

  • Rock wrasses are colorful fish with large scales and very small mouths.
  • Juvenile fish are green and turn more of a brown orange as they age.
  • Adults are green or green orange on their backs with a yellow belly.
  • The male and female species are very different. Look for the deep blue band just behind the pectoral fin.
  • They are a smaller fish, reaching only 15 inches, maturing at 2 years and about 6 inches. They grow slow after reaching maturity – a 10 year old rock wrasse will be about 8 inches in length.
  • They can live to be 14 years old.

 

Range and Habitat

  • These fish are found from Point Conception all the way to the Gulf of California, notably seen from Palos Verdes south.
  • They prefer to swim alone or in small schools.
  • They are diurnal meaning they are active during the day, and sleep at night.

Market Forms

  • Rock wrasse fish are not a commercially sought after fish.