---
title: Dusky Wrasse (Halichoeres marginatus)
scientific_name: Halichoeres marginatus
common_name: Dusky Wrasse
taxon: Wrasse
conservation_status: LC - Least Concern
published: 2024-10-28T17:44:28.536Z
updated: 2025-11-25T13:58:09.000Z
tags: Dusky Wrasse, Halichoeres marginatus, Wrasse, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/wrasse/dusky-wrasse
---

# Dusky Wrasse (*Halichoeres marginatus*)

**Taxon:** Wrasse (*Labridae*)  
**Conservation Status:** LC - Least Concern  


Dusky Wrasse (Halichoeres marginatus), also known as the Speckled Rainbowfish or Splendid Rainbow Wrasse.

Biological Profile:  
- Reproductive Strategy: Hermaphroditic  
- Habitat Depth Range: 1-30 meters  
- Ecosystem: Reef-associated  
- Maximum Size: 18 cm Total Length  

Males of the species exhibit a greenish to brownish coloration, characterized by narrow blue stripes or rows of blue spots along their sides. They possess a broad yellow margin on the pectoral fin, accented with blue submarginal spots, and a distinctive greenish crescent-shaped band on the base of the tail.  

Females display a brown hue with darker, narrow stripes along their sides, a pronounced black ocellus centrally located on the dorsal fin, and a greenish margin on the caudal fin. Juveniles, on the other hand, are predominantly blackish to dark brown with narrow white lateral stripes, accompanied by a bluish to black ocellus on the dorsal fin and white blotches adorning the back.

---

*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/wrasse/dusky-wrasse)*
*Updated: November 25, 2025*