Slippery Dick
Halichoeres bivittatus
Slippery Dick (Halichoeres bivittatus) is a small Caribbean and western Atlantic wrasse common on reefs, seagrass beds, and sand-rubble edges. Males are bright green with yellow lines, while juveniles and females are browner with a distinctive black tail spot.
Identification points
- Long, slender wrasse body with a pointed snout
- Adult males show green to bluish body color with two pale yellow lengthwise stripes
- Juveniles and females are browner with a distinct black spot at the base of the tail
Habitat
Shallow coral reefs, seagrass meadows, sandy bottoms near reefs, patch reefs, and rubble zones in warm coastal marine water, usually from very shallow flats to about 30 m.
Bait notes
Takes tiny pieces of shrimp, squid, clam, or worm on light tackle; small soft plastics, shrimp imitations, and micro-jigs also work. It is not a major game fish and is usually caught incidentally.
Behavior
A daytime, constantly foraging wrasse that picks small crabs, shrimp, worms, mollusks, and other benthic invertebrates from sand and grass. Often bold and active around structure, but small hook sizes are needed.
Caution
No major toxin issue is typical for this small wrasse, but local rules may discourage harvest in marine protected areas. Handle gently because wrasses can be delicate out of water.
Fishing notes
Use ultralight gear with small hooks, light leaders, and very small offerings fished near bottom over grass, reef edges, or rubble. Slow hops and short drifts are more effective than long casts; release carefully if not keeping.