Wrasse
Scientific name Cheilinus fasciatus
The Red-Breasted Wrasse is a bold and beautifully patterned member of the wrasse family, commonly seen cruising along Koh Tao’s reef slopes. Recognisable by its reddish to orange breast and striped body pattern, it has a confident presence without the enormous size of its cousin, the Humphead Wrasse.
Adults display a mix of green, blue and reddish tones with horizontal striping and intricate facial markings. Juveniles are more subtly coloured, often with softer striping and less intense red colouring. Like many wrasses, they can change colour slightly depending on mood, age and environment.
Growing up to around 40–50 cm, they are active daytime hunters, weaving in and out of coral heads and rocky crevices. Their thick lips and strong jaws help them forage efficiently across reef surfaces.
They are typically solitary or seen in loose pairs, moving steadily over the reef while investigating cracks and rubble for prey.
Find Wrasse at...
Divemaster's tip
Look along reef slopes and rubble areas between 5–25 metres. They often patrol steadily rather than darting quickly, making them relatively easy to follow from a respectful distance.
Approach slowly from the side and avoid hovering directly above them.
What do they eat?
Red-Breasted Wrasse feed on crustaceans, molluscs and small invertebrates hidden within reef cracks.
Their strong jaws allow them to crush hard-shelled prey, helping control populations of reef invertebrates and contributing to the balance of Koh Tao’s coral ecosystems.
