This, the largest fish family in Hawaii, consists of 43 species, many of which are endemic.  These colorful fishes are a handful to identify for the newcomer, a fact compounded by various life stages: juvenile phase, initial or female phase, and terminal or male phase.  Hawaiians called most wrasses Hinalea or Hilu.  

Wrasses are active during the day, feeding upon a variety of small animals, detritus, and algae.  They take refuge under the sand or in a mucus cocoon at night.  Most wrasses are poor table fare except for the Hawaiian Hogfish and large Razorfishes caught using handlines.

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