The Wrasse Family-
Cleaner Wrasse belong to the Wrasse family (also known as the Labridae family) of marine fish. The fish of the Labridae family are some of the most common in tropical reefs anywhere in the world.
There are over 50 genera of Wrasse and over 600 different species. This great abundance of genera and species within the family means there is a great diversity in size, shape, color, diets, habitats and behavior in the Wrasse family. Despite this great diversity within the Labridae family there are many features which remain common in all Wrasse. A feature which all members of the Wrasse family have is the use of pectoral fin propulsion as their sole form of propulsion through the water. Wrasse usually only use the caudal fin (tail) when a sudden speed boost is required. The only other known pectoral fin only fish are the closely related Parrotfish and Damselfish. All Wrasse are primarily carnivorous feeders which means their prey is living, and while the diets of Wrasse can differ dramatically, common prey of Wrasse include fish, mollusks, worms, decapod crabs, coral, coral mucous, amphipods, plankton and several different types of vegetation. A common trait in the lifestyle of all Wrasse is diurnal behavior. Being diurnal creatures mean that members of the Labridae family are only active during the day, and similarly to Parrotfish many Wrasse many bury themselves in sand or seek cover in a reef crevice at night time. Another feature present in all varieties of Wrasse is there reproductive system and features. Like many fish Wrasse are polygynous, which means Wrasse do not mate for life and have multiple mating partners during there lifetime. Also all members of the Labridae family's spawn are produced in groups or clusters, also known as iteroparous breeding.
Maori Wrasse, can grow up to two meters long, Clown Wrasse, live a solitary life as adults and the Cleaner Wrasse, only usually grow to around 10 centimeters long and usually live with up to two more Cleaner Wrasse. The Labridae Family is clearly a diverse and greatly varied family, but these common characteristics are what makes all Wrasse connected.
There are over 50 genera of Wrasse and over 600 different species. This great abundance of genera and species within the family means there is a great diversity in size, shape, color, diets, habitats and behavior in the Wrasse family. Despite this great diversity within the Labridae family there are many features which remain common in all Wrasse. A feature which all members of the Wrasse family have is the use of pectoral fin propulsion as their sole form of propulsion through the water. Wrasse usually only use the caudal fin (tail) when a sudden speed boost is required. The only other known pectoral fin only fish are the closely related Parrotfish and Damselfish. All Wrasse are primarily carnivorous feeders which means their prey is living, and while the diets of Wrasse can differ dramatically, common prey of Wrasse include fish, mollusks, worms, decapod crabs, coral, coral mucous, amphipods, plankton and several different types of vegetation. A common trait in the lifestyle of all Wrasse is diurnal behavior. Being diurnal creatures mean that members of the Labridae family are only active during the day, and similarly to Parrotfish many Wrasse many bury themselves in sand or seek cover in a reef crevice at night time. Another feature present in all varieties of Wrasse is there reproductive system and features. Like many fish Wrasse are polygynous, which means Wrasse do not mate for life and have multiple mating partners during there lifetime. Also all members of the Labridae family's spawn are produced in groups or clusters, also known as iteroparous breeding.
Maori Wrasse, can grow up to two meters long, Clown Wrasse, live a solitary life as adults and the Cleaner Wrasse, only usually grow to around 10 centimeters long and usually live with up to two more Cleaner Wrasse. The Labridae Family is clearly a diverse and greatly varied family, but these common characteristics are what makes all Wrasse connected.