The wrasse family is huge, with around 500 species in all. They're also very diverse, ranging from tiny cleaners that may not get larger than two or three inches long, up to the giant Napoleon. Bird Wrasse Checkerboard Wrasse Moon Wrasse Napoleon Wrasse Six-Banded Wrasse Six-Banded 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. Close Napoleon Wrasse 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. Close Moon Wrasse 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. Close Checkerboard Wrasse 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. Close Bird Wrasse 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. Close
SEA Undersea
