Description
Also known as Lunate-Tailed Wrasses, Thalassoma hardwickii, Hardwicki Wrasse, Hardwick Wrasse, Hardwick's Wrasse, Six-Banded Wrasse and Six-barred Wrasse.
Found along the top of reefs in small loose groups but can be found in shallow to deep drop-off's.
Often get close to divers in case they disturb the bottom for food.
They feed on hard shell invertebrates and zooplankton.
Length - 20cm
Depth - 0-15m
Widespread Indo-Pacific
Most reef fish seen by divers during the day are grazers, that cruise around just above the surface of the coral or snoop into crevices looking for algae, worms and small crustaceans.
Wrasses have small protruding teeth and graze the bottom taking in a variety of snails, worms, crabs, shrimps and eggs. 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 crevasses.
0 comments