Orangeback Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus aurantidorsalis)

Also known as Goldback Fairy Wrasse, Goldback Wrasse, Golden-back Wrasse, Orangeback Fairy Wrasse

Description

Also know as Goldback Fairy Wrasse, Goldback Wrasse, Golden-back Wrasse, Orangeback Fairy Wrasse.

Found in small harems, over rubble patches and along reef edges, of lagoons and seaward reefs.
They feed on zooplankton.
Juveniles in small schools, in very shallow depths.
Length - 10cm
Depth - 10-25m
Western Central Pacific - Indonesia

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/59628

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