Cigar Wrasse

Cheilio inermis

A slender Indo-Pacific wrasse with a cigar-shaped body and a pointed snout, often seen cruising shallow reefs and seagrass beds. It is not a common target for anglers and is better treated as a reef fish to observe than to pursue.

Saltwater

Cigar Wrasse reference image — Rickard Zerpe, cc-by, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Identification points

Long, narrow, cigar-like body with a relatively pointed head and long continuous dorsal fin
Adults typically show a plain brown to olive body with subtle patterning rather than bold stripes or spots
Small terminal mouth and a low-profile profile compared with deeper-bodied reef wrasses

Habitat

Shallow coastal reefs, reef flats, lagoons, seagrass beds, and sandy areas adjacent to coral and rubble; typically from very shallow water to around 60 m, especially where benthic invertebrates are available.

Bait notes

Not a major sport species. If targeted incidentally, small natural baits such as shrimp, cut squid, or pieces of worm on light tackle may work; small soft plastics or micro-jigs can also draw strikes near reef edges.

Behavior

Diurnal and active, foraging mostly on small crustaceans, mollusks, worms, and other benthic prey picked from the bottom. Juveniles and adults can be wary and quick to bolt into cover when approached.

Caution

Handle carefully because wrasses can be slippery and stressed by air exposure. Check local rules before keeping any reef fish; some areas restrict harvest, and all reef fish should be treated cautiously for local contamination advisories.

Fishing notes

Use very light spinning gear and small hooks if catching for identification or bycatch release. Work edges of reef and seagrass slowly and keep presentations close to bottom structure; avoid heavy gear that tears small mouths.