Chameleon Wrasse (Halichoeres dispilus)

Also known as Sand-reef Wrasse

Description

Also known as Sand-reef Wrasse.

Found singly, in shallow waters over sandy areas of coral and rocky reefs, will bury itself in the sand if alarmed and to sleep at night. Colours highly variable especially between juvenile to adult.
They feed on bennies and invertebrates.
Length - 25m
Depth - 2-75m
Widespread Eastern 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/8208

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