cleaver wrasse

Like other wrasses, the body is elongated and the head is flat. The fins and body are always very colorful.

This species goes through at least four phases. Young females are pinkish, with a red spot underneath. Fine yellow vertical stripes are visible on the scales, as well as a pearly white spot under the pectoral fin. The anal and caudal fins are yellow with light blue stripes.

Older females are pink to reddish, with a yellowish head. Light blue vertical stripes are visible on the body, anal and caudal fins, and the white spot is still present.

Next comes a transition phase to the other sex. During this period, the body and head turn purple, the back becomes reddish. The dorsal fin is orange, with purple vertical stripes. The anal and caudal fins are pink with blue stripes. A purple-red spot is visible near the anal area.

Males change color, with a green body and head, darker on the back, and rather yellowish to green on the sides. Blue stripes are visible on the scales. These are also streaked with violet. The dorsal fin is orange, the anal and caudal fins are orange to yellow with, as always, blue stripes.

The cleaver wrasse is a solitary fish that naturally resides near sandy bottoms. It is a lively fish capable of literally diving into the sand when approached by a predator, or a too curious diver.

The larger males are territorial and build nests, sometimes using coral debris. Adults mainly hunt mollusks but can supplement this diet with shrimp and various other crustaceans. This species is diurnal, male and female have a sedentary lifestyle throughout their lives.

Dominant males establish territories that they protect from their peers. They drive away these peers but also protect females living in their territory from mating attempts by competitors. They build nests and attract females through a courtship display.