Slingjaw Wrasse (Epibulus insidiator)

This unusual wrasse has a specialized mouth that “unfolds” into a tube half the length of its own body. It uses this “tube” to nab shrimps, crabs and fishes from between branches of coral. When not in use, the entire apparatus is conveniently folded under the head.

It is usually found in coral-rich areas of lagoon and seaward reefs of the Indo-Pacific: Red Sea to South Africa and the Hawaiian and Tuamoto islands, north to southern Japan and south to New Caledonia. Adults are usually found along deep slopes or drop-offs but they are capable of drift migration along with floating leaves. They sometimes visit cleaning stations, holding the mouth open and out for inspection.

We currently have two in our aquarium and they are often seen swimming along the edge where our coral meets our side viewing windows.