Blackeye Thicklip

Hemigymnus melapterus

Habitat & Distribution :  Indian-Pacific Ocean

Diet : small invertebrates

Size: Up to 39,6 cm; 1,3 kg

Lifespan: 2 - 5 years

Description

Hemigymnus melapterus, commonly known as the blackeye thicklip or half-and-half wrasse, is a large species of wrasse, with males capable of reaching up to 39,6 cm n length. The species is characterized by its dramatic color changes from juvenile to adult phases and a notably "thick" set of lips

Behavior

Hemigymnus melapterus (Blackeye Thicklip Wrasse) is a solitary, diurnal, and protogynous hermaphrodite fish found in Indo-Pacific reef flats, often shifting from female to male. They are active hunters that use their thick lips to pick invertebrates from corals and sift through sand, with adults sometimes territorial while juveniles live inshore

Reproduction

Hemigymnus melapterus (blackeye thicklip wrasse) is a protogynous hermaphrodite that begins life as a female and changes into a male, with females maturing at roughly 21.4 cm. They are oviparous and use high-speed, pairing ascents to spawn.

Communication & Perception

Hemigymnus melapterus, commonly known as the blackedge thicklip wrasse, relies on visual cues, color changes, and chemical perception for communication and interacting with its environment, particularly in cleaning interactions.

Predators

The main predators of the Blackeye Thicklip Wrasse are top-level reef predators, particularly the Leopard Coral Trout