Asian Sheepshead Wrasse | Semicossyphus reticulatus

This is a mature male Asian sheepshead wrasse (Semicossyphus reticulatus). The fish has taken on whitish coloration for the breeding season. During this season, the male mates with multiple females, and defends his terrority against other males. Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites, so this male, like all other males of this species, started life as a female. At 100% magnification parasites attached to the fish’s face are visible.

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Filename: asian-sheepshead-wrasse-semicossyphus-reticulatus-japan-201706-0310.tif
Copyright: Copyright Tony Wu. All rights reserved. No duplication, reproduction or usage without prior written permission.
Image Size: 6855x4570 / 89.7MB; https://www.photoshelter.com/support/license#rm; https://www.tony-wu.com/contact-tony-wu; Bony Fish Wrasse Animalia Chordata Osteichthyes Actinopterygii Perciformes Labridae Semicossyphus reticulatus Asian Sheepshead Wrasse コブダイ Male Pacific Japan Niigata Prefecture
Contained in galleries: Marine Life Reproduction, Fish Photos, Marine Life | Japan

This is a mature male Asian sheepshead wrasse (Semicossyphus reticulatus). The fish has taken on whitish coloration for the breeding season. During this season, the male mates with multiple females, and defends his terrority against other males. Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites, so this male, like all other males of this species, started life as a female. At 100% magnification parasites attached to the fish’s face are visible.