Facts about Wrasse

1. 06

   The ballan wrasse can live up to 28 years in captivity, making it one of the longest-lived wrasse species and enabling decades of territorial behavior and social dominance.

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2. 05

   Some wrasse species can change color from drab brown to vibrant blue or orange within seconds as a predator defense mechanism or social communication signal.

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3. 04

   Wrasse larvae drift as transparent plankton for weeks before settling on reefs, with some species traveling over 100 kilometers from their spawning grounds.

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4. 03

   Male wrasse in the genus Halichoeres display bright coloration during breeding season and establish territories spanning 10-50 square meters on the reef floor.

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5. 02

   Cleaner wrasses remove parasites and dead skin from larger fish on coral reefs, with some species visiting up to 2,000 client fish daily at designated cleaning stations.

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6. 01

   Over 600 species of wrasse inhabit coral reefs and rocky coastlines worldwide, with some displaying remarkable sex-change capabilities throughout their lifespans.

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