Fin's Fish Guide
The Blackedge thicklip wrasse (Hemigymnus melapterus) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 40 cm.
Description
The blackeye thicklip is a robust wrasse of the family Labridae from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 40 cm and has conspicuously thick lips and a two-coloured body: the front half pale and the rear half dark, with a yellow tail in juveniles. It inhabits subtidal reef flats and lagoon and seaward reefs; juveniles live inshore. With its thick lips and powerful jaws it takes mouthfuls of sand from which it sifts small invertebrates such as crustaceans, molluscs and worms. 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 Blackedge thicklip wrasse?
The Blackedge thicklip wrasse has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Thick lips and a two-coloured body (pale in front, dark behind); sifts sand for invertebrates.
Where does the Blackedge thicklip wrasse live?
The Blackedge thicklip wrasse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific; subtidal reef flats and lagoon and seaward reefs.
How big does the Blackedge thicklip wrasse get?
The Blackedge thicklip wrasse grows to a maximum of about 40 cm.
Is the Blackedge thicklip wrasse dangerous to humans?
No, the Blackedge thicklip wrasse is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Blackedge thicklip wrasse edible?
The Blackedge thicklip wrasse is rarely eaten.
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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 Blackedge thicklip wrasse?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blackedge thicklip wrasse is one of 12,519 species in the app.