The slippery dick (Halichoeres bivittatus) is a species of wrasse native to shallow, tropical waters of the western Atlantic Ocean.
As a defense mechanism, the fish secretes a large amount of mucous to “slip” away from potential predators. It also has an unusual way of swimming, as if just dragging its tail. The slippery dick is a protogynous hermaphrodite, which means they begin their life as female then make a “slippery” change to male.
The slippery dick wrasse is widespread throughout the tropical and subtropical waters of the western Atlantic Ocean. It can be found from North Carolina and Bermuda to Brazil,[2] including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea area.
The slippery dick wrasse is generally reef-associated at depths from 1 to 15 m (3.3 to 49.2 ft),