Description
Also known as Banner Wrasse, Blackedge Thicklip Wrasse, Blackeye Thicklip Wrasse, Black-eyed Thicklip, Halfgrey Wrasse, Half-and-Half Banner Wrasse, Half-and-Half Thicklip, Half-and-Half Wrasse, Maori Wrasse, Rainbowfish, Sandreef Wrasse, Thicklip Wrasse, Thick-lipped Wrasse.
Found singly, over coral, rubble, and sandy areas, of reef flats, lagoons and seaward reefs.
They feed on small invertebrates. These are the largest of wrasses with thick lips, hence the name!
Juveniles secretive and shy, amongst the branches of corals over inshore reefs.
Length - 37cm
Depth - 1-30m
Widespread Indo-Pacific
Most reef fish seen by divers during the day, are grazers, they cruise around, just above the surface of the coral, or snoop into crevices, foraging for food.
Wrasses have small protruding teeth, which they use to graze the bottom, taking in a variety of algae, crustaceans, such as crabs, eggs, shrimps, snails and worms. Any hard coats or thick shells, are then ground down by their pharyngeal jaws, and the delicacies inside digested.
From juvenile to adult, wrasses dramatically alter their colour and body shapes.
Wrasses are always on the go during the day, but are the first to go to bed and the last to rise.
Small wrasses dive below the sand to sleep, and larger wrasses wedge themselves in crevices. Ref: https://www.fishbase.se/summary/5636
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