Fin's Fish Guide
The Barred thicklip (Hemigymnus fasciatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
The barred thicklip is a large wrasse from the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Pacific. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a dark body with five narrow, pale vertical bands and conspicuously thick lips. With those lips and a protrusible mouth it searches over sand and reef bottoms for small invertebrates, which it grinds with its throat jaws. Like other wrasses it is a protogynous hermaphrodite. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Barred thicklip?
The Barred thicklip has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Strikingly thick lips; grinds prey with pharyngeal jaws; protogynous hermaphrodite
Where does the Barred thicklip live?
The Barred thicklip lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific
How big does the Barred thicklip get?
The Barred thicklip grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Barred thicklip dangerous to humans?
No, the Barred thicklip is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Barred thicklip edible?
The Barred thicklip is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hemigymnus
More from the family Labridae
Want the complete picture on the Barred thicklip?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Barred thicklip is one of 12,519 species in the app.