Clown Wrasse in Cozumel
Clown Wrasse (Halichoeres maculipinna) in Cozumel: how to identify it, where it is reliably seen, and what it is commonly confused with.
A fast, restless little wrasse that never stops moving — green above, white below, with a black blotch mid-flank and red-orange markings on the head that change with age.
Quick ID
| Scientific name | Halichoeres maculipinna |
|---|---|
| Group | Colourful Reef Fish |
| Typical size | Up to 18 cm |
| Depth range | 2–30 m |
| When to see it | Year-round |
| Active | Day |
| Conservation status | Least Concern |
How To Identify It
Terminal males are green with a dark mid-body blotch and orange head markings. Initial-phase fish are paler with a black stripe and a dark spot. It swims with a rowing motion of the pectoral fins.
Where You Will See It In Cozumel
Over rubble, sand patches and reef edges on the shelf reefs, usually shallower than 20 metres. Constantly on the move.
Reliable sites: Paradise Reef, Chankanaab, Yucab, Tormentos, Paso del Cedral.
Behaviour
Hunts small invertebrates over the bottom, flipping rubble and inspecting crevices. Like other wrasses it changes sex — initial-phase fish can become terminal males — and it buries itself in sand to sleep.
Commonly Confused With
- Yellowhead wrasse — Yellow head and no mid-body blotch.
- Slippery dick — Two lateral stripes and a more uniform pale body.
- Puddingwife — Much larger and heavier-bodied.
Diving Etiquette And Safety
Keep fins off the reef and hands to yourself. Nothing here needs to be touched, moved or provoked to be seen well.
Part of the Cozumel marine life guide · see Cozumel dive sites · plan your Cozumel dive trip
Photo © Stephen Hoerler, courtesy of the Cozumel Coral Reef Restoration Program, used with permission.
Clown Wrasse Photos