Stunning Photos of Different Types of Wrasse Fish

Female Black and White Wrasse (Coris flavovittata)

The Black and White (or Yellowstripe) Wrasse (Coris flavovittata) is uncommon on reefs. Males are rare around the main Hawaiian Islands. Juveniles are black with several white and pink stripes. Females are pink with black and white stripes dorsally. The males are dirty blue with high first dorsal spines and dark blue and black spots on operculum (gill cover). This fish is endemic to Hawaii.

While juvenile Black and White Wrasses do not fare well in aquariums, due to difficulty in getting them to eat tank-fed foods, the sub-adults and adults do quite well. They will attain a length of about 20 inches, so plan ahead with a larger tank size.

Juvenile Yellowtail Coris (Coris gaimard)

The Yellowtail Coris (Coris gaimard) is fairly common on reefs. It's coloration changes greatly with age. This Wrasse attains a length of about 12 inches and can be found from Indonesia to southern Japan, Hawaii, and the Tuamotus.

Tiny Yellowtail Coris juveniles typically do not fare well in captivity. It is not unusual for them to waste away and starve to death due to the lack of accepting food, and thus not taking in the high caloric diet they require to survive. It is best to obtain a sub-adult specimen of more than two inches in size, and one that is already eating well to help avoid problems with starvation.

Juvenile Yellowtail Coris Wrasse (Coris gaimard)

This Yellowtail Coris (Coris gaimard) is transitioning from a juvenile to a sub-adult.

Sub-Adult Yellowtail Coris Wrasse (Coris gaimard)

The Yellowtail Coris (Coris gaimard) is fairly common on reefs. It's coloration changes greatly with age. This Wrasse attains a length of about 12 inches and can be found from Indonesia to southern Japan, Hawaii, and the Tuamotus.

Sub-Adult Yellowtail Coris (Coris gaimard)

The Yellowtail Coris (Coris gaimard) is fairly common on reefs. It's coloration changes greatly with age. This Wrasse attains a length of about 12 inches and can be found from Indonesia to southern Japan, Hawaii, and the Tuamotus.

It is best to obtain a sub-adult specimen, such as the one in the picture above that is already eating well to help avoid problems with starvation.

Female Yellowtail Coris Wrasse (Coris gaimard)

The Yellowtail Coris (Coris gaimard) may reach 4 inches (10 cm) before it matures as a female and develops a new color pattern.

Female Yellowtail Coris (Coris gaimard)

The Yellowtail Coris (Coris gaimard) is fairly common on reefs. It's coloration changes greatly with age. This Wrasse attains a length of about 12 inches and can be found from Indonesia to southern Japan, Hawaii, and the Tuamotus.

It is best to obtain a sub-adult specimen or an adult like in the above photograph that is already eating well to help avoid problems with starvation.

Male Yellowtail Coris (Coris gaimard)

The Yellowtail Coris (Coris gaimard) is fairly common on reefs. It's coloration changes greatly with age. This Wrasse attains a length of about 12 inches and can be found from Indonesia to southern Japan, Hawaii, and the Tuamotus.

The juvenile yellowtail coris may reach 4 inches (10 cm) before it matures as a female and develops a new color pattern. Later in life, it will change color again if it undergoes a sex change from female to male. Males have a green bar on the side of the body, a dark band on the upper and lower fins, as seen in above photograph.

Female Lined Coris (Coris ballieui)

The Female Lined Coris (Coris ballieui) is endemic to Hawaii, is found in deep water over rubble and sand and attains 12 inches in length.

Male Lined Coris (Coris ballieui)

The Male Lined Coris (Coris ballieui) is endemic to Hawaii, is found in deep water over rubble and sand and attains 12 inches in length.

Female Elegant Wrasse (Coris venusta)

The Elegant Wrasse (Coris venusta) is endemic to Hawaii and is commonly found on sandy reefs. Its color varies with age. It has a dark blue spot on gill covers, edged with yellow with a round spot on posterior dorsal fin. It attains a length of eight inches.

Male Elegant Wrasse (Coris venusta)

The Elegant Wrasse (Coris venusta) is endemic to Hawaii and is commonly found on sandy reefs. Its color varies with age. It has a dark blue spot on gill covers, edged with yellow with a round spot on posterior dorsal fin. It attains a length of eight inches.

It is shy at first, but once it gets used to being in an aquarium it becomes bolder and will take food out of your hand. The Elegant Wrasse likes to hide, so be sure to give it plenty of cover.

Female Ornate Wrasse (Halichoeres ornatissimus)

The Ornate Wrasse (Halichoeres ornatissimus) is a non-aggressive species that is compatible with other fishes and is safe with corals but may be a threat to fan worms, small hermit crabs, snails, and ornamental shrimps.

The Ornate Wrasse is locally common on reefs, especially the neon green juveniles during summer months. The intensity of the neon green coloring decreases with age. It has two dark round spots on its soft dorsal fin when young and on the females. This Wrasse attains six inches in length and is found in the waters of Hawaii and Central and Western Pacific.

Male Ornate Wrasse (Halichoeres ornatissimus)

The Ornate Wrasse (Halichoeres ornatissimus) is a non-aggressive species that is compatible with other fishes and is safe with corals but may be a threat to fan worms, small hermit crabs, snails, and ornamental shrimps.

The male loses the two dark spots on the dorsal fin that are seen on juveniles and females. This Wrasse attains six inches in length and is found in the waters of Hawaii and Central and Western Pacific.

Fivestripe Wrasse (Thalassoma quinquevittatum)

The Fivestripe Wrasse (Thalassoma quinquevittatum) in Hawaii is extremely rare in shallow water exposed to surge. It attains a length of five inches and is found only in Hawaii, Ryukyus, and the Indo-Pacific areas.

Male Christmas Wrasse (Thalassoma trilobatum)

The Christmas Wrasse (Thalassoma trilobatum) is fairly common in shallow water in Hawaii, Ryukyus, and the Indo-Pacific.

Female Christmas Wrasse (Thalassoma trilobatum)

The Christmas Wrasse (Thalassoma trilobatum) is fairly common in shallow water in Hawaii, Ryukyus, and the Indo-Pacific. The female Christmas Wrasse (Thalassoma trilobatum) is nearly identical to the Surge wrasse with a nearly oval red-brown mark ahead of the eye. It attains a length of 12 inches.

Female Surge Wrasse (Thalassoma purpureum)

The Surge Wrasse (Thalassoma purpureum) is uncommon in shallow water exposed to wave action. The female of this species is nearly identical to the Christmas wrasse and has only reddish-brown spots ahead of the eye. It attains 17 inches in length and can be found in Hawaii, Southern Japan, and the Indo-Pacific.

Male Surge Wrasse (Thalassoma purpureum)

The Surge Wrasse (Thalassoma purpureum) is uncommon in shallow water exposed to wave action. It attains 17 inches in length and can be found in Hawaii, Southern Japan, and the Indo-Pacific.

Juvenile Saddle Wrasse (Thalassoma duperrey)

The Saddle Wrasse (Thalassoma duperrey) is endemic to Hawaii and is the state's most common reef fish. It attains a length of 10 inches. This wrasse is closely related to the Sunset wrasse and may hybridize with it.

Female Saddle Wrasse (Thalassoma duperrey)

The Saddle Wrasse (Thalassoma duperrey) is endemic to Hawaii and is the state's most common reef fish. It attains a length of 10 inches. The males have a light mark behind the orange saddle. This wrasse is closely related to the Sunset wrasse and may hybridize with it.

Sunset Wrasse (Thalassoma lutescens)

The Sunset Wrasse (Thalassoma lutescens) is very rare in Hawaii on shallow reefs. The females are greenish and both sexes have pink radiating lines on the head. It attains nine inches in length and can be found in Sri Lanka, Hawaii, and Southern Japan, SE Australia to Rapa.

Blacktail Wrasse (Thalassoma ballieui)

The Blacktail (or Old Lady) Wrasse (Thalassoma ballieui) is endemic to Hawaii and is locally common on reefs. The males have a black tail and dark blue pectoral fins while juveniles are bright green in color. It attains 15 inches in length.

Female Pencil Wrasse (Pseudojuloides cerasinus)

The Pencil (or Smalltail) Wrasse (Pseudojuloides cerasinus) is locally common over rubble and dead coral deeper than 40 feet. The male maintains a harem of females and attains five inches in length. It can be found in Hawaii, Southern Japan, and the Indo-Pacific.

Male Pencil Wrasse (Pseudojuloides cerasinus)

The Pencil (or Smalltail) Wrasse (Pseudojuloides cerasinus) is locally common over rubble and dead coral deeper than 40 feet. The male maintains a harem of females and attains five inches in length. It can be found in Hawaii, Southern Japan, and the Indo-Pacific.

Sunrise Wrasse (Bodianus sanguineus)

The Sunrise Wrasse (Bodianus sanguineus) is a rare deep-water (below 150 feet) fish found only in Hawaii. This beautiful little fish attains four inches in length.

Female Redtail/Psychedelic Wrasse (Anampses chrysocephalus)

The Redtail or Psychedelic Wrasse (Anampses chrysocephalus) is endemic to Hawaii, found in deeper water among coral rubble. The male maintains a harem of several females. Juveniles are common during summer months. This fish attains a length of six inches.

Male Redtail or Psychedelic Wrasse (Anampses chrysocephalus)

The Redtail or Psychedelic Wrasse (Anampses chrysocephalus) is endemic to Hawaii, found in deeper water among coral rubble. The male maintains a harem of several females. Juveniles are common during summer months. This fish attains a length of six inches.

Juvenile Dragon Wrasse (Novaculichthys taeniourus)

The Dragon Wrasse (Novaculichthys taeniourus) is uncommon on coral rubble and rocky reefs. The juveniles vary in color and resemble drifting seaweed. It can be found in the Indo-Pacific area, including Hawaii and the tropical Eastern Pacific. Adults can attain a length of up to 12 inches.

Juvenile Dragon Wrasse (Novaculichthys taeniourus)

The Dragon Wrasse (Novaculichthys taeniourus) is uncommon on coral rubble and rocky reefs. The juveniles vary in color and resemble drifting seaweed. It can be found in the Indo-Pacific area, including Hawaii and the tropical Eastern Pacific. Adults can attain a length of up to 12 inches.

Dragon Wrasse (Novaculichthys taeniourus)

The Dragon Wrasse (Novaculichthys taeniourus) is uncommon on coral rubble and rocky reefs. This Wrasse spends its time turning stones in search of invertebrates. It can be found in the Indo-Pacific area, including Hawaii and the tropical Eastern Pacific. Adults can attain a length of up to 12 inches.

Slingjaw Wrasse (Epibulus insidiator)

You will probably never see the Slingjaw Wrasse (Epibulus insidiator) in an aquarium, as it is found only in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands from French Frigate Shoals north to Midway. The juveniles are dark brown or yellow; adults with orange to white. It attains a length of 14 inches and is found in the Indo-Pacific, Hawaii, and the Ryukyus.

Twospot Wrasse (Oxycheilinus bimaculatus)

The Twospot Wrasse (Oxycheilinus bimaculatus) males have an extended upper caudal lobe. This fish is locally common in barren areas at deeper scuba depths. It attains a length of four inches and can be found in Hawaii, Southern Japan, and the Indo-Pacific.

Juvenile Hawaiian Hogfish (Bodianus albotaeniatus)

The Juvenile Hawaiian Hogfish (Bodianus albotaeniatus) resembles an angelfish. Rarely seen males are white, blotched with purplish brown. This fish is found frequently in barren areas at scuba depths. It attains 20 inches in length and is endemic to Hawaii.

Four-lined Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus tetrataenia)

The Four-lined Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus tetrataenia) is a common but shy fish among Finger coral at scuba depths. It attains a length of about 2.5 inches and can be found in Hawaii, Minami-tori-shima, Micronesia, New Caledonia, and Pitcairn.

The Four-lined Wrasse is a smaller species which does better in a less belligerent tank but may act aggressively toward towards more peaceful wrasses and other small fish. Given the right cover, it will spend a lot of its time hiding and foraging for small snails, worms and crustaceans in live rock.

Six-lined Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus hexataenia)

Also known as the Sixline or Sixstripe Wrasse, Pseudocheilinus hexataenia is native to reefs of the Indo-Pacific Oceans and the coast of Fiji, Indonesia, Maldives. In the home aquarium, the Six-Lined Wrasse requires a peaceful environment with a generous supply of hiding places and live rock. The Six-Lined Wrasse is known to feed on unwanted pests on live rock, such as bristle worms. It grows to 3 inches in length.

Eight-Lined Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus octotaenia)

The Eight-Lined Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus octotaenia) is shy at first, but once it gets used to being in an aquarium it becomes bolder and will take food out of your hand. The Eight-Lined Wrasse likes to hide, so be sure to give it plenty of cover.

Like most Wrasses, the Eight-Lined Wrasse likes to burrow under the sand or substrate in your tank as a means of sleeping and protection. Be sure to keep the substrate clean for them. It is a fish that can pick up bacterial diseases both internal and external easily.

Chinstrap Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus evanidus)

The Chinstrap Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus evanidus) appears reddish brown underwater with many fine white stripes. It is locally common among rubble and Finger coral at scuba depths. This fish attains four inches in length and can be found in Hawaii and the Indo-Pacific.

Belted Wrasse (Stethojulis balteata)

The Belted Wrasse (Stethojulis balteata) is common on shallow reefs. It is endemic to Hawaii. Juveniles are brown with a lighter crosshatch pattern. This fish has an orange spot above pectoral axil on all stages and attains a length of six inches.

Female Flame Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus jordani)

The Female Flame Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus jordani) is endemic to Hawaii and quite rare among coral rubble in deep water. It attains a length of four inches.

Male Flame Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus jordani)

The male Flame Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus jordani) is endemic to Hawaii and quite rare among coral rubble in deep water. It attains a length of four inches.

Juvenile Shortnosed Wrasse (Macropharyngodon geoffroy)

The Shortnosed Wrasse (Macropharyngodon geoffroy) is endemic to Hawaii and fairly common on reefs, especially juveniles that resemble seaweed. It attains a length of about four inches.

Female Shortnosed Wrasse (Macropharyngodon geoffroy)

The Shortnosed Wrasse (Macropharyngodon geoffroy) is endemic to Hawaii and fairly common on reefs. It attains a length of about four inches.

Pearl Wrasse (Anampses cuvier)

The Pearl Wrasse (Anampses cuvier) is endemic to Hawaii and uncommon in shallow water. It attains a length of 14 inches.

Remmy's Banana Wrasse (Helichoeres chrysus)

The Banana Wrasse (Helichoeres chrysus) is also known as the Yellow-brown Wrasse, Sunset Wrasse, or Yellow Wrasse. As an adult, it takes on a yellow appearance if female, and a blue appearance if male. Both sexes have facial markings in green and fine vertical striping along the body. It comes from the reefs around Indonesia and Melanesia.

Heidi Diener's Tri-Colored Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus solorensis)

This fish is also known as the Tricolor Fairy Wrasse, Redheaded Fairy Wrasse, or Red-eyed Fairy Wrasse. It has a blue body with bright red running along the dorsal edge and a shining yellow-orange face. Colors may vary to other blues and purples depending on the fish's mood. When courting, the male will display an increased color intensity. It comes from the reefs around Indonesia.

Harlequin Tusk Wrasse (Choerodon fasciatus)

The Harlequin Tusk Wrasse (Choerodon fasciatus) originates from the reefs of the Indian Ocean and Australia. Indian Ocean Tusk Wrasse have orange stripes with white margins and a hint of blue adjacent to the tail of the fish. Australian Tusk Wrasse have orange stripes with vivid blue margins. Both have bright blue tusks used to crunch invertebrates. Keep only one specimen per tank. Although they will not eat corals, they will eat any small crustaceans or snails.

Juvenile Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse (Labroides phthirophagus)

The Hawaiian cleaner wrasse (Labroides phthirophagus) is endemic to Hawaii. These cleaner fish inhabit coral reefs, setting up a cleaning station. They obtain a diet of small crustacean parasites by removing them from other reef fish in a cleaning symbiosis. As it is an obligate feeder on the ectoparasites of other fish, it will fail to thrive in an aquarium where these feeding needs are not met. It grows to 5 inches (12 cm) in length.

Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse (Labroides phthirophagus)

The Hawaiian cleaner wrasse, also known as the golden cleaner wrasse as an adult, is endemic to Hawaii. These cleaner fish inhabit coral reefs, setting up a cleaning station. They obtain a diet of small crustacean parasites by removing them from other reef fish in a cleaning symbiosis. As it is an obligate feeder on the ectoparasites of other fish, it will fail to thrive in an aquarium where these feeding needs are not met. It grows to 5 inches (12 cm) in length.