Oriental Wrasse

Oxycheilinus orientalis

The Oriental Wrasse is a reef-associated fish found in the Indo-West Pacific, ranging from the Red Sea to Indonesia and the Ryukyu and Marshall Islands. It inhabits coastal to outer reef habitats, often seen among coral rubble or algae, and is known to associate with the mushroom coral Heliofungia actiniformis. Divers may encounter this species at depths ranging from the surface to 80 meters, although most sightings occur shallower than 40 meters. Adult Oriental Wrasses are characterized by their red coloration, with five indistinct pale bars and two faint pale stripes along the body. The head features white to pale blue-green lines, and the fins display a mix of orange-red and blue patterns. Juveniles are lighter in color, with a distinctive orange-yellow stripe from chin to eye. The species reaches a maximum length of 20 cm. The Oriental Wrasse is a predatory fish, feeding primarily on small fishes, shrimps, and other crustaceans. It is oviparous, with distinct pairing during breeding. The species is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, and while it is harmless to humans, it holds minor commercial value in fisheries and the aquarium trade.