How to Identify Wrasse

To identify Wrasse (Labridae), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Extremely variable, often brightly colored with complex patterns of reds, oranges, yellows, blues, and greens. Many species exhibit sexual dichromatism and ontogenetic color changes.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Protractile mouth with prominent, often canine-like teeth, Thick lips, Cycloid scales (typically large), Continuous dorsal fin with spinous and soft-rayed portions, Unique swimming motion primarily using pectoral fins (labriform locomotion)

Dorsal fin

Single, continuous dorsal fin with 8-21 spines and 6-21 soft rays. The spinous portion is typically longer than the soft-rayed portion.

Tail fin

Caudal fin typically rounded, truncate, or lunate, with 10-15 branched rays.

Pectoral fin

Large, fan-like pectoral fins, primarily used for propulsion.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are thoracic, typically with one spine and five soft rays. Anal fin has 3-6 spines and 7-18 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Mouth and Teeth

   Observe the protractile mouth and the prominent, often canine-like teeth, which are characteristic of the family. The pharyngeal jaws are also highly developed and often fused.

2. 2

   Swimming Style

   Wrasses typically swim by undulating their pectoral fins (labriform locomotion), with the caudal fin used primarily for bursts of speed or steering.

3. 3

   Coloration and Pattern

   While highly variable, specific color patterns, stripes, spots, and fin markings are crucial for species-level identification. Note any sexual dichromatism or juvenile coloration.

4. 4

   Body Shape

   Most wrasses have an elongated to moderately compressed body. The overall body profile can help narrow down genera.

5. 5

   Fin Ray Counts

   Accurate counts of dorsal, anal, and pectoral fin spines and soft rays are often essential for definitive species identification, especially for closely related species.

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