Exquisite Wrasse

Interesting Info

• The Exquisite Wrasse is found across tropical northern Australia, including the Great Barrier Reef, Coral Sea, and reefs of Western Australia.
• It has a very broad Indo-Pacific distribution, ranging from the Red Sea and East Africa across the Indian Ocean and into the Pacific as far east as Samoa and Tonga.
• Males are among the most colourful of all wrasses, with an ever-changing mix of green, blue, red, and purple across the body, especially when courting. Females and juveniles are smaller and mostly reddish or orange with a greenish sheen.
• The Exquisite Wrasse is well known for its ability to rapidly shift colours depending on mood, social status, or breeding behaviour — males in particular become brilliant and glowing when displaying to females.
• It is a protogynous hermaphrodite: individuals begin life as females before some transform into dominant males, which then control harems of females.
• Spawning takes place at dusk in small groups, with males performing elaborate courtship displays before eggs are released into the water column to drift with currents.
• Its diet includes tiny crustaceans, zooplankton, and small benthic invertebrates, which it snatches while hovering above reefs.
• Unlike many wrasses that bury in sand, fairy wrasses sleep in reef crevices, secreting a thin mucous cocoon around themselves to mask their scent from predators.
• The species can live up to 5–7 years in the wild, although many individuals are preyed upon before reaching maximum age.
• Predators include larger reef fish such as groupers, snappers, and moray eels.
• It is highly popular in the marine aquarium trade, where its dazzling colours and peaceful nature make it a favourite, though it requires a secure lid as it is a notorious jumper.
• The Exquisite Wrasse plays an ecological role as a mid-level plankton feeder, helping to transfer energy from plankton to larger reef predators.
• The name “Exquisite” reflects its breathtaking range of colours, which has made it a standout species among reef fishes worldwide.