Fin's Fish Guide
The Candy cane wrasse (Hologymnosus doliatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 50 cm.
Description
The candycane wrasse is a wrasse from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 50 cm and has a very elongate, slender body; adults are greenish to bluish with fine cross-bars, while juveniles are white with red longitudinal stripes. As a reef-dweller it searches over sand and rubble bottoms for small crustaceans, molluscs and fish and buries itself in the sand when threatened. Like many wrasses it is a protogynous hermaphrodite. The fish is harmless to humans. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Candy cane wrasse?
The Candy cane wrasse has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly green and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Very slender body; burrows into the sand; protogynous hermaphrodite
Where does the Candy cane wrasse live?
The Candy cane wrasse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific
How big does the Candy cane wrasse get?
The Candy cane wrasse grows to a maximum of about 50 cm. On average the species is around 38 cm.
Is the Candy cane wrasse dangerous to humans?
No, the Candy cane wrasse is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Candy cane wrasse edible?
The Candy cane wrasse is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hologymnosus
More from the family Labridae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Candy cane wrasse is one of 12,519 species in the app.