Cigar Wrasse (yellow)

Cheilio inermis is a species of wrasse native to the Indo-Pacific.

Description

It has a long, slender body with a wedge-shaped belly, making it stand out among other wrasses. Its coloration varies depending on its life stage and gender. Juveniles are often pale green or grayish with longitudinal lines, while adults develop brighter green, olive, or bluish hues with faint spots or stripes.

The fish has an elongated head with a small, forward-facing mouth. Its fins are moderately long, with rounded dorsal and anal fins that give it an elegant appearance. The tail fin is slightly forked, and the pectoral fins are proportionate to the body. Its smooth skin and small, tightly packed scales contribute to its "clean" appearance, hence the name "smooth wrasse."

On average, Cheilio inermis grows to about 30–40 cm, with some specimens reaching up to 50 cm.

Distribution

It is mainly found on tropical reefs at depths to 30 m (98 ft) in the Indo-Pacific region, Red Sea included.

Habitat

It inhabits seagrass beds and algae-covered flats, occasionally in lagoon and seaward reefs to a depth of at least 30 m. They are a mostly solitary species. Its diet includes crustaceans, mollusks, sea urchins, and other hard-shelled prey. Due to its adult size and diet, it is rarely kept in the aquarium.