Blue-headed Wrasse

Thalassoma amblycephalum

A small Indo-Pacific wrasse with a blue to blue-green head and a more yellowish body, usually seen over coral-rich reef slopes and lagoon habitats. It feeds on small benthic invertebrates and is a common, active reef species rather than a targeted game fish.

Saltwater

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

Identification points

Blue to turquoise head with a contrasting greener or yellowish body
Slender wrasse shape with a continuous dorsal fin
Small terminal mouth and bright reef-fish coloration, often with subtle facial lines or markings

Habitat

Coral reef slopes, sheltered lagoons, and reef flats in tropical Indo-Pacific waters, typically where rubble, branching coral, and mixed sand patches provide foraging cover.

Bait notes

Not a major angling target. Small natural baits such as shrimp, crab pieces, squid strips, and marine worms may take it incidentally; tiny soft plastics or micro-jigs can also work around reefs.

Behavior

Diurnal and highly active, it picks at small crustaceans, mollusks, worms, and other reef invertebrates. Like many wrasses, it is quick-moving, territorial around feeding areas, and closely associated with reef structure.

Caution

Reef fish can carry ciguatera risk in some locations; local advisories matter. Handle carefully around sharp reef structure, and check local rules because reef wrasses may be subject to size or collection restrictions in some areas.

Fishing notes

If pursued at all, use very light tackle and small hooks near shallow reef edges, working slowly along structure. Most captures are incidental while reef fishing, and release is usually best due to its small size and reef role.