Description

Also known as Finspot Razorfish, Sand Wrasse.

Found in loose schools, over upper parts of mud and sand banks, on reef flats, before they slope down to deeper areas. When disturbed they will dive into the sand, where they can "swim" for long distances through the sand, to deter predators.
They feed on hard shell invertebrates.
Length - 26cm
Depth - 6-64m
Widespread Indo-West 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/Iniistius-melanopus.html