About Halichoeres radiatus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Scientific Name and Native Range
The puddingwife wrasse, scientifically named Halichoeres radiatus, is a species of wrasse that is native to the western Atlantic Ocean.
Distribution Range
Its distribution ranges from North Carolina to Bermuda, extends through the West Indies and the Gulf of Mexico, and reaches the offshore islands of Brazil; it is not found in the coastal waters of Brazil.
Adult Habitat and Depth
This species occurs on reefs at depths between 2 meters (6.6 feet) and 55 meters (180.4 feet).
Juvenile Depth Range
Young fish up to the subadult stage live in much shallower waters, ranging from 1 meter (3.3 feet) to 5 meters (16.4 feet) deep.
Size
The puddingwife wrasse can grow to a total length of 51 centimeters (20 inches), though most individuals do not grow longer than 40 centimeters (16 inches).
Human Relevance
This species has minor importance for local commercial fisheries, and it is also available in the aquarium trade.
