Puddingwife Wrasse in Cozumel
Puddingwife Wrasse (Halichoeres radiatus) in Cozumel: how to identify it, where it is reliably seen, and what it is commonly confused with.
The largest Halichoeres wrasse in the Caribbean, and one that changes so much with age that juveniles and adults look like different species. Adults are blue-green with a yellow bar and cruise the reef at speed.
Quick ID
| Scientific name | Halichoeres radiatus |
|---|---|
| Group | Colourful Reef Fish |
| Typical size | Up to 51 cm |
| Depth range | 2–55 m |
| When to see it | Year-round |
| Active | Day |
| Conservation status | Least Concern |
How To Identify It
Adults are blue-green with orange-yellow markings on the head and a pale vertical bar behind the pectoral fin. Juveniles are yellow-orange with blue stripes and white blotches on the back.
Where You Will See It In Cozumel
Over reef and rubble on the shelf reefs, often patrolling rather than holding station. Juveniles stay shallow among coral and rubble.
Reliable sites: Paradise Reef, Chankanaab, Yucab, Tormentos, Paso del Cedral.
Behaviour
Feeds on hard-shelled prey — molluscs, urchins, crabs — which it crushes with strong pharyngeal teeth. Adults cover ground quickly and rarely stop, which is why they are more often glimpsed than watched.
Commonly Confused With
- Clown wrasse — Far smaller, with a dark mid-body blotch.
- Bluehead wrasse (terminal male) — Blue head with two black bars, smaller and slimmer.
- Rainbow parrotfish — Has a beak; the puddingwife has separate teeth and a pointed snout.
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 courtesy of the Cozumel Coral Reef Restoration Program, used with permission.
Puddingwife Wrasse Photos