Description

Also known as Bladefish, Collared Knifefish, Collared Razor Wrasse, Finescale Razorfish, Razorfish, Razor Wrasse, Sand Wrasse, Sharp-headed Wrasse.

Found singly, over sandy areas of estuaries, reef flats, shallow sandy lagoons and tidal channels, diving into the sand when disturbed, "swimming" for long distances through the sand to deter predators.
They feed on benthic invertebrates.
Juveniles found over algae beds, small rubble outcrops or the edge of seagrass beds.
Length - 20cm
Depth - 2-20m
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/5608