Slingjaw Wrasse - Epibulus insidiator - Large

The Slingjaw Wrasse (Epibulus insidiator) is known for its protractile jaws that can be extended to form a funnel-like feeding apparatus which aids it in picking up small invertebrates from hard-to-get-at crevices. Juvenile Slingjaw Wrasses have a purplish body with a series of white bars radiating from the eye and four vertical white bars on the body. Adults may be either bright yellow-green or black with orange head markings. Color is highly variable as juveniles, females, intermediate stage males and terminal stage males all have different color phases as well as regional differences.

Wrasses are generally hardy and easy to take care of. They prefer a tank with plenty of rock work to hide in and a sandy substrate. Slingjaw Wrasses have very large mouth and should not be kept with smaller tankmates. They should get along with other tankmates but can be aggressive toward other wrasses. They should accept frozen foods, and maybe eventually flake/pellet food. They may harm corals as they scavenge for food.