Fin's Fish Guide
The Bird wrasse (Gomphosus varius) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
The bird wrasse is a striking wrasse of the family Labridae from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 30 cm and owes its name to the greatly elongated, beak-like snout with which it picks prey from crevices and coral. Males are green-blue, females brownish with a paler front. It lives solitarily in coral-rich parts of lagoons and seaward reefs to at least 30 metres and swims conspicuously fast with its pectoral fins. It feeds on small crustaceans, molluscs and small fishes. Like many wrasses it changes sex during life, from female to male. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bird wrasse?
The Bird wrasse has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a plain pattern. Greatly elongated, beak-shaped snout for picking prey from crevices; changes sex.
Where does the Bird wrasse live?
The Bird wrasse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific; coral-rich lagoons and seaward reefs.
How big does the Bird wrasse get?
The Bird wrasse grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Bird wrasse dangerous to humans?
No, the Bird wrasse is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bird wrasse edible?
The Bird wrasse is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Gomphosus
More from the family Labridae
Want the complete picture on the Bird wrasse?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bird wrasse is one of 12,519 species in the app.