Hong Kong Corals & the Associated Marine Life

This cryptic species remains close to cover and inhabits semi-exposed rocky shores with clear water and some hard corals. The cockerel wrasse probably feeds on benthic invertebrates. Unlike many wrasses, both males and females have similar colouration, but males develop two "horns" in front of the dorsal fin. The wrasses (Labridae) are one of the most diverse families of local reef fish, more than 30 species have been recorded.

It feeds on the crustacean ectoparasites and mucus of fish at specific cleaning stations. To attract "customers", the cleaner wrasse moves up and down at its station during daytime.

This inter-tidal blenny is extremely abundant along exposed rocky shores such as at the Cape d'Aguilar Marine Reserve. It occurs only at a few metres depth, hiding in crevices and empty barnacle shells when threatened.

Its body shape and colour are distinctive. This species looks very similar to another poison species Meiacanthus grammistes in Blenniidae, but it actually doesn't have any venom apparatus.

The spectacular fish photographed is a young male, with its vivid first dorsal fin. The front few pectoral rays can be moved independently and do not have a connecting membrane. Small numbers of this species are encountered on sand around shallow coral communities.

This species is relatively rare in local waters. It was found on coarse sandy bottom of rocky area in Port Shelter and Long Ke.

The body colour ranges from sandy-grey in small fish, to grey-purple or near black in larger individual. This goby is common in shallow sandy and rubble areas.