Pastel-green Wrasse (Juvenile) (Halichoeres chloropterus)

Also known as Black-blotched Rainbowfish, Black-blotched Wrasse, Darkblotch Wrasse, Green Coris, Green Coris Wrasse, Green Wrasse, Green-spotted Wrasse, Jade Wrasse, Java Wrasse, Rainbowfish, Sand-Reef Wrasse

Description

Also known as Black-blotched Rainbowfish, Black-blotched Wrasse, Darkblotch Wrasse, Green Coris, Green Coris Wrasse, Green Wrasse, Green-spotted Wrasse, Jade Wrasse, Java Wrasse, Rainbowfish, Sand-Reef Wrasse.

Found singly, over silty, rubble and sand bottoms, of protected, inshore coral reefs.
They feed on hard shell invertebrates.
Length - 19cm
Depth - 0-10m
Widespread Western Central 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. (edit) Ref: https://www.fishbase.se/summary/4859

Related creatures

Heads up! 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 Pastel-green Wrasse (Juvenile). Click the image(s) to explore further or hover over to get a better view!

Pastel-green Wrasse

Pastel-green Wrasse

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1 comment

  1. Posted by Keren Painter
    October 21, 2011 at 01:36 am - 1 person found this useful.

    Hello. I have a jade wrasse. had him for about 3 years now and would say he measures about 6 inches. He's losing his colour. He's gone quite pale. Beautiful colours around his gills, but a very washed out pale green to his body. Is this ok.

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Known Sightings / Photograph Locations

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