Slingjaw Wrasses

Scientific Name: Epibulus insidiator
Species: Wrasses (Labridae)
Other names: Maori and Thicklip Wrasses, Slingjaw, Long-jawed Wrasse, Telescopefish.

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Description

Also known as Maori and Thicklip Wrasses, Slingjaw, Long-jawed Wrasse and Telescopefish.

Found singly in coral rich lagoons and protected reefs often along steep drop-off's.
The mouth of this wrasse extends like a telescope to half the length of it's own body when catching prey.
Colour varies from place to place.
These are the largest of wrasses with thick lips, hence the name!
They feed on hard shell invertebrates.
Length - 30cm
Depth - 1-42m
Widespread Indo-Pacific

Most reef fish seen by divers during the day are grazers, that cruise around just above the surface of the coral or snoop into crevices looking for algae, worms and small crustaceans.
Wrasses have small protruding teeth and graze the bottom taking in a variety of snails, worms, crabs, shrimps and eggs. 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 crevasses.

Spotted

The Slingjaw Wrasses is found in or near the Indo-Pacific region(s) and has been photographed 15 times by users @fishx6 @glove2

Related creatures

Many creatures change during their life. Juvenile fish become adults and some change shape or their colour. Some species change sex and others just get older. The following creature(s) are known relatives of the Slingjaw Wrasses. Click the image(s) to explore further or hover over to get a better view!

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