wrasse
Thick-lipped reef fish
A wrasse is a brightly colored marine fish found in tropical and temperate waters, typically living around coral reefs and rocky areas.
Wrasses are notable for their thick lips and strong teeth, which they use to crush shellfish.
Many species are cleaners, eating parasites off larger fish.
Some wrasses change sex as they mature.
Snout-faced tropical wrasse
- razorfishSlender, blade-shaped marine fish
- cuckooBrood parasite bird
- parrotfishBeak-jawed coral-eating fish
- cichlidDiverse freshwater fish family
Interspecies biological interdependence
- mutualismTwo-way biological benefit
- groomingSelf-care for appearance
- ectoparasitesParasites inhabiting host surfaces
- parasitesOrganisms feeding off hosts
grouper · mucus · inspection · host · service · territory · underwater · aquarium
Ocean water, chemically speaking
- tankLarge storage vessel
- reef-safeNon-toxic to marine ecosystems
- compatibleAble to work together
- captiveOne held by force
livestock · peaceful · flasher · leopard · mystery · burrowing · acclimation · diet
Marine skeletal formation
- biodiversityRange of life forms
- ecosystemInterconnected organisms and surroundings
- lagoonSheltered coastal shallows
- habitatOrganism's natural environment
anemone · atoll · snorkeling · diving · tropical · Indo-Pacific · Caribbean · crevice
Both sexes in one
- spawningReleasing eggs to reproduce
- larvaeImmature metamorphosing creatures
- pelagicOf the open sea
- territorialDefensive about owned space
diurnal · carnivore · invertebrates · mollusks · crustaceans · urchins · crushing · scales
hogfish
Snout-faced tropical wrasse
- razorfishSlender, blade-shaped marine fish
- cuckooBrood parasite bird
- parrotfishBeak-jawed coral-eating fish
symbiosis
Interspecies biological interdependence
- mutualismTwo-way biological benefit
- groomingSelf-care for appearance
- ectoparasitesParasites inhabiting host surfaces
parasites · grouper · mucus · inspection · host · service · territory · underwater · aquarium · behavior
saltwater
Ocean water, chemically speaking
- tankLarge storage vessel
- reef-safeNon-toxic to marine ecosystems
- compatibleAble to work together
captive · livestock · peaceful · flasher · leopard · mystery · burrowing · acclimation · diet · hardiness
coral
Marine skeletal formation
- biodiversityRange of life forms
- ecosystemInterconnected organisms and surroundings
- lagoonSheltered coastal shallows
habitat · anemone · atoll · snorkeling · diving · tropical · Indo-Pacific · Caribbean · crevice · rock
hermaphrodite
Both sexes in one
territorial · diurnal · carnivore · invertebrates · mollusks · crustaceans · urchins · crushing · scales · longevity
iridescent
Showing shifting spectral colors
- vibrantFull of life, intensity
- multicoloredHaving multiple hues
- pigmentedHaving color added
brilliant · vivid · chromatic · variegated · blue · green · orange · pink · striped · spotted