Wrasse

Also called: Sixbar Wrasse

Scientific name: Thalassoma hardwickei or Thalassoma hardwicke

The six-banded wrasse can be found in shallow reefs throughout the region. They are quite colorful, and can be quite curious. I had them in my face most of the time I was snorkeling one shallow reef in the Maldives.

Also called: Humphead wrasse, Maori wrasse

Scientific name: Cheilinus undulatus

The humphead wrasse is the largest living member of the wrasse family. It has thick, fleshy lips and a hump that forms on its head above the eyes, becoming more prominent as the fish ages. Males range from a bright electric blue to green, a purplish blue, or a relatively dull blue/green. Juveniles and females are red-orange above, and red-orange to white below.

Also called: Lunar Wrasse

Scientific name: Thalassoma lunare

This is definitely one of the more colorful wrasses. It's very similar to the Green Moon (aka Sunset Moon) Wrasse, which has a prominent blue streak at the edge of the pectoral fin. The Moon Wrasse is found on reefs throughout Southeast Asia.

Scientific name: Haliochoeres hortulanus

The checkerboard wrasse can be found in shallow reefs throughout the region. Females will have a white stripe behind the pectoral fin.

Also called: Clubnosed Wrasse

Scientific name: Haliochoeres hortulanus

The bird wrasse - named for its bird-like nose - is found in shallow reefs throughout Southeast Asia. The male is colored dark blue-black, while the females are generally much lighter in color.