Fin's Fish Guide
The Galápagos sheephead wrasse (Semicossyphus darwini) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 70 cm.
Description
Darwin's sheephead wrasse is a large wrasse (Labridae) from the eastern Pacific. The species has a robust body; older males develop a hump on the forehead and a pale band across the body. It occurs in both shallow and deeper water on rocky reefs. With its powerful teeth and strong jaws it cracks, as an opportunistic predator, hard-shelled prey such as sea urchins, molluscs and crustaceans. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Galápagos sheephead wrasse?
The Galápagos sheephead wrasse has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Older males with a forehead hump; crushes hard-shelled prey with strong jaws.
Where does the Galápagos sheephead wrasse live?
The Galápagos sheephead wrasse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Eastern Pacific; rocky reefs.
How big does the Galápagos sheephead wrasse get?
The Galápagos sheephead wrasse grows to a maximum of about 70 cm.
Is the Galápagos sheephead wrasse dangerous to humans?
No, the Galápagos sheephead wrasse is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Galápagos sheephead wrasse edible?
Yes, the Galápagos sheephead wrasse is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Semicossyphus
More from the family Labridae
Want the complete picture on the Galápagos sheephead wrasse?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Galápagos sheephead wrasse is one of 12,519 species in the app.