Yellowhead Wrasse

The yellowhead wrasse is a small sized fish that can reach a maximum length of 19 cm (7.5 in). Both its sex and appearance change during its life and the colouring at each stage is rather variable.

The body is thin, relatively lengthened and its mouth is terminal.

As a juvenile, it is mainly yellow with a lateral, bright-blue stripe.

In its initial phase, while it is female, it has a dark-colored back, sometimes with bluish shadings, and a yellow underside. Two short wavy dark lines radiate from the hind edge of each eye with dark spots on its front head.

The yellowhead wrasse is widespread throughout the tropical and subtropical waters of the western Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico south to the north coast of Venezuela.

The yellowhead wrasse is common on coral and sandy reefs and among rocks at depths down to about 60 m (200 ft). It likes places with many small cavities where it can hide in case of danger.

It is targeted for the aquarium trade, but it is not thought to be a major threat. This species is listed as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List.