denise
08-12-2008, 04:31 PM
Wrasses are reef living, brightly colored group of 500 plus species, closely related to the parrotfish. They are well equipped for their carnivorous lifestyle, having a strong set of teeth and prominent canine teeth, which they use to seize and crush crabs, shrimp and sea urchins. They hunt by day over the reefs, and by night they sleep in sandy areas, most bury themselves to protect themselves from predators.
Like parrotfish, wrasse change their colors and markings as they grow older. The have three main phases: Juvenile Phase, Initial Phase, and Terminal Phase. The terminal phase is the most colorful, and easily identifiable phase. Many wrasses are also hermaphrodite, and can change sex, from female to male!
http://www.dayo.com/fishid/gibbywrasee_1.JPG
Juvenile Slippery Dick, Halichoeres bivittatus, Blue Heron Beach
Photo courtesy of Michael Gibby
The slippery dick is one of the most common wrasse in Florida. They spend they time constantly in motion over reefs and grass beds in the search for food.
http://www.scubadiver.cc/fishid/yellowheadwrasse_11.jpg
Yellowhead wrasse Juvenile, Halichoeres garnoti, West Palm Beach
The yellowhead wrasse is commonly found on both shallow and deep coral reefs, especially on exposed ledges. They are constantly in motion, and feed on various invertebrates.
Like parrotfish, wrasse change their colors and markings as they grow older. The have three main phases: Juvenile Phase, Initial Phase, and Terminal Phase. The terminal phase is the most colorful, and easily identifiable phase. Many wrasses are also hermaphrodite, and can change sex, from female to male!
http://www.dayo.com/fishid/gibbywrasee_1.JPG
Juvenile Slippery Dick, Halichoeres bivittatus, Blue Heron Beach
Photo courtesy of Michael Gibby
The slippery dick is one of the most common wrasse in Florida. They spend they time constantly in motion over reefs and grass beds in the search for food.
http://www.scubadiver.cc/fishid/yellowheadwrasse_11.jpg
Yellowhead wrasse Juvenile, Halichoeres garnoti, West Palm Beach
The yellowhead wrasse is commonly found on both shallow and deep coral reefs, especially on exposed ledges. They are constantly in motion, and feed on various invertebrates.