Malpelo wrasse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Malpelo wrasse |
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Halichoeres malpelo, also known as the Malpelo wrasse, is a type of saltwater fish. It belongs to the group of fish called wrasses. You can find this small fish swimming in the eastern part of the Central Pacific Ocean.
This wrasse is quite small, growing to about 6.5 centimeters (2.6 inches) long.
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What is a Wrasse?
Wrasses are a large family of fish that live in the ocean. There are many different kinds of wrasses, and they come in all sorts of colors and sizes. Most wrasses live in tropical or warm waters around the world.
These fish are often found near coral reefs or rocky areas. They like places where they can find food and hide from bigger fish. Wrasses are known for their bright colors and interesting behaviors.
Where the Malpelo Wrasse Lives
The Malpelo wrasse gets its name from Malpelo Island. This island is a special place in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Colombia. The waters around Malpelo Island are home to many unique sea creatures, including this wrasse.
These fish prefer to live in clear, shallow waters. They often swim near the ocean floor, looking for food. Their small size helps them fit into small cracks and crevices in the rocks.
What Malpelo Wrasses Eat
Like many wrasses, the Malpelo wrasse is a carnivore. This means it eats other small animals. They usually feed on tiny invertebrates. These are small creatures without backbones, like little crabs, worms, or snails.
They use their sharp teeth to pick these small animals off rocks and corals. Wrasses are important for keeping the ocean floor clean. They help control the populations of these tiny creatures.
Interesting Facts About Wrasses
Many wrasses have interesting ways of life. Some wrasses can change their sex during their lives. They might start as females and later become males. This is a special ability that helps them survive and reproduce.
Some wrasses also build nests to lay their eggs. They might use pieces of seaweed or sand to make a safe place for their young. Other wrasses bury themselves in the sand at night to sleep. This helps them stay safe from predators while they rest.
See also
In Spanish: Halichoeres malpelo para niños
