Moon Wrasse

ID points

• Blue-green body, pink radiating lines on the head
• A bright yellow crescent patch in the middle of the tail fin
• Swims in quick bursts, rowing along with its pectoral fins

Basics

Family

Labridae

Length

20–25 cm

Depth

1-20 m

Regions

Indo-Pacific reefs

Distribution

Indo-Pacific coral reefs

Habitat

Shallow reefs and lagoons

Diet

Small invertebrates, fish eggs

Easily confused with

Flasher WrasseCourting males flash neon colours over the whole body in an instantCleaner WrasseA black stripe runs from the snout straight through to the tailRockmover Wrasse (Juvenile)Juveniles have two fin rays on top of the head drawn out like antennae

Fun fact

Males shade from blue into green, with the top and bottom of the tail drawn out into long points like a crescent moon. It is one of the most brightly coloured wrasses on the reef.

More in this family

• Bird Wrasse
• Harlequin Tuskfish
• Leopard Wrasse
• Napoleon Wrasse
• Rockmover Wrasse
• Six-line Wrasse
• Slingjaw Wrasse
• Tuskfish