Seagrass Wrasse

Halichoeres papilionaceus

The Seagrass Wrasse is a small, colorful fish found in the tropical waters of the Western Central Pacific, ranging from Sumatra to the Solomon Islands, and north to the Philippines. Divers can spot this species in shallow, sheltered environments such as seagrass beds, coral reefs, and rocky areas. Typically, they inhabit depths between 1 to 4 meters, although they have been recorded at depths up to 20 meters. The Seagrass Wrasse is characterized by its elongated, laterally compressed body, reaching a maximum length of 12 cm. Its coloration is predominantly green with pinkish hues, making it distinguishable from other wrasses in its habitat. This species is often seen in small groups, although solitary individuals are not uncommon. During the breeding season, they exhibit distinct pairing behavior. Divers encountering the Seagrass Wrasse can enjoy observing their active swimming behavior as they navigate through the reefs and seagrass beds. The Seagrass Wrasse is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Divers might find these fish at various dive sites, as they have been recorded near DiveSight dive sites, making them a relatively common sight in suitable habitats.