The Mental Wrasse, Oxycheilinus mentalis, is an elongate and somewhat compressed wrasse reaching up to 40 cm (15.7 in) in total length. Its typical coloration is a reddish-pink or rosy hue, often marked with indistinct darker blotches or irregular bars along the flanks. The head features a pointed snout and noticeably large, fleshy lips. A distinctive characteristic is its ability to rapidly alter its body coloration and pattern to resemble various non-predatory parrotfish and surgeonfish species. This chameleon-like transformation is a key identification feature.
This species inhabits outer reef slopes, drop-offs, and lagoon reefs, favouring areas with mixed sand, rubble, and scattered coral heads. It is commonly observed at depths ranging from 5 to 60 meters (16-197 ft). The Mental Wrasse is a solitary, predatory species that primarily preys on small fish and crustaceans. Its name, mentalis, possibly alluding to its 'cleverness', refers to its aggressive mimicry. By adopting the appearance and swimming behaviour of harmless herbivorous fish, it can approach and ambush unsuspecting prey that do not perceive the mimicked species as a threat. When not actively engaged in mimicry, it reverts to its base reddish-pink coloration.
- pointed snout
- large lips
- dark bar on chin
- reddish-pink to yellowish-brown body
Why it's threatened
There are no major threats known for this species.
Threat classification from the IUCN Red List.
