Description

Also known as Pigfish.

Found singly or in pairs, always on the move over open bottoms of coral and rocky reefs rich in gorgonians. Colour varies, often changes to a mottled colour when digging for food. Curious of divers.
They feed on hard shell invertebrates.
Juveniles hide in corals.
Length - 90cm
Depth - 3-30m
Widespread Western Atlantic, Caribbean

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.in/summary/1071