Cigar wrasse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cigar wrasse |
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The cigar wrasse, known scientifically as Cheilio inermis, is a fascinating type of fish. It belongs to the large family of fish called wrasses. These fish are native to the warm, tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. This area includes the Red Sea.
Cigar wrasses mostly live on tropical reefs. They can be found at depths of up to 30 meters (about 100 feet). They often make their homes in areas with lots of seagrass or flats covered in algae. Sometimes, you might spot them near lagoons or outer reefs. These fish usually prefer to live alone. Their diet includes crunchy foods like crustaceans, mollusks, and sea urchins.
About the Cigar Wrasse
What Does It Look Like?
The cigar wrasse can grow to be quite long. On average, they reach about 35 centimeters (about 14 inches) in length. However, some larger individuals can grow up to 50 centimeters (nearly 20 inches)!
Young cigar wrasses often have a mix of brown or green colors. They might also have a wide stripe along their side. Very rarely, a young fish might be completely yellow. As they get older, especially the large males, their colors can change. They might develop a bright yellow, orange, black, white, or even multicolored patch. This patch usually appears on their sides, right behind their pectoral fins (the fins on their chest).
Are They Kept as Pets?
Because of their adult size and what they like to eat, cigar wrasses are not often kept in home aquariums. They need a lot of space and a specific diet that can be hard to provide.
