Halichoeres maculipinna
Clown Wrasse
Maximum Size:
7 in (18 cm)
Longevity:
Unknown, possibly 3 to 5 years.
Typical depth:
3–100 ft (1–30 m)
Behavior:
Clown wrasses are abundant on rocky areas and reef tops. These small fish are typically solitary and can be difficult to approach due to their wariness. Like other wrasses, they start life as a female before switching to become male, transitioning at around 4in (11cm).
Predators:
Grouper, trumpetfish, soapfish, mackerel and jacks.
Did you know?
Juvenile yellowmouth grouper look a lot like a clown wrasse, which allows them to get close enough to their prey to strike, since their prey do not feel threatened by a clown wrasse. This is known as aggressive mimicry.
