Red-ribbon Wrasse

Interesting Info

• The Red-ribbon Wrasse is a species of marine fish found in the western and central Pacific Ocean, including the Great Barrier Reef and the waters around the northern parts of Australia.
• It has a distinct appearance: a bright greenish-blue or purple body, five vertical stripes, and a red ribbon-like band along its side.
• This species typically inhabits coral reefs and lagoons in the wild, feeding on small invertebrates and crustaceans.
• The Red-ribbon Wrasse is a protogynous hermaphrodite, meaning that individuals start as females and can later change sex to become males.
• The breeding behaviour of this species has been observed in the wild, with males performing courtship displays to attract females.
• The Red-ribbon Wrasse has a symbiotic relationship with cleaner shrimp and fish, which remove parasites and dead skin from the wrasse’s body.
• This species is sometimes used as a biological control for the Crown-of-Thorns Starfish, which preys on coral reefs.
• The Red-ribbon Wrasse is known to be territorial and aggressive towards other wrasses, particularly those of the same sex. Despite its aggressive nature, this species can also exhibit social behaviour, with individuals forming schools.
• The estimated lifespan of the Red-ribbon Wrasse is between 10-15 years in the wild.