This is the Halichoeres ornatissimus or Ornate Wrasse
#COLORSOFTHEOCEAN_58
We call this wrasse ʻohua in Hawaiian.
More commonly known as the ornate wrasse. The family name in Labridae which comes from the Greek word labros and translates to greedy. The scientific name is Halichoeres ornatissimus. This is an extremely vibrant reef fish that can be found in our Hawaiian waters. The wrasse family is one of the largest groups/families of fish.
There are over 450 species of wrasse in the ocean.
Our Hawaiian waters have about 43 different species with 18 of them being endemic or found only here. They have an elongated body that is tapered at both the head and tail. The tail fin looks as if it is squared off. This fish will swim by beating their side fins/pectoral fins. You can find “protractile” teeth under their lips. These specialized teeth allow the fish to extend or project the teeth outward in order to capture their prey more easily. They can then retract them when not in use. They are carnivores feeding on crustaceans, mollusks, worms, and urchins. This wrasse can grow up to 6 inches long. The image above is a male. The female ornate wrasse has 2 dark spots located on the top fin/dorsal fin. It has such bright and striking colors along the body.
Wrasse, like parrot fish, are protogynous sequential hermaphrodites.
The word protogynous means “female first”, and sequential hermaphrodites means they will change their sex once in their lifetime and it is usually occurs by different social cues. Most wrasse are born female but can change into a male at some point in their life. This change is irreversible. Fun fact, the fish that are born male are mediocre and only the females that change have the opportunity to transform into a “supermale”. The supermale will have brighter and bolder colors and will develop slightly differently.
The image above was taken during a Private Ocean Project Maui Snorkel Tour.
This colorful image was taken off a West Maui Beach by the dedicated staff of Ocean Project Maui. They offer custom, private snorkel tours around the island of Maui, Hawaii. Each #COLORSOFTHEOCEAN image you see in our monthly blog, was captured during a private guided snorkel tour. These amazing images, as well as images above and below the water of the clients/supporters are included in every tour at no additional cost.
Be sure to visit our Blog each and every month for the latest #COLORSOFTHEOCEAN post.
Are you ready to experience colorful marine life off the coast of Maui, Hawaii?
Contact Ocean Project Maui today to build your very own custom Ocean Project Maui snorkel tour.
(808) 280-0873
https://www.oceanprojectmaui.com