Wrasses

Wrasses are a diverse group of marine fishes belonging to the family Labridae, the largest family of reef fishes by number of species. With more than 600 described species, wrasses inhabit tropical and temperate seas around the world, especially the Indo-Pacific. They are common on coral and rocky reefs, seagrass beds, and sometimes brackish inlets.

Most wrasses have elongated bodies, small mouths, and a single continuous dorsal fin. They display a wide range of colors and patterns, often changing with age or social status. Many species are protogynous hermaphrodites: individuals begin life as females and may become males if a dominant male is needed. Diets vary: some graze on algae, others feed on small invertebrates, crustaceans or mollusks; several species specialize as corallivores or planktivores. A notable subgroup includes the cleaner wrasses, which remove parasites from larger fish and are part of a mutualistic cleaning symbiosis.

Wrasses are generally diurnal and often territorial; some species form harems or engage in schooling. Reproduction often involves broadcast spawning with pelagic eggs and larvae; parental care is rare for wrasses. Social organization can be complex, with color and size cues signaling dominance and sex change.

Wrasses perform important ecological roles as herbivores, detritivores, and cleaners on reefs. They are popular in marine aquariums for color and activity, but many species require large, compatible setups and can be aggressive. They face threats from overfishing, habitat loss, and climate change; some species are protected or listed in regional inventories.