Hemigymnus

Hemigymnus is a genus of wrasses in the family Labridae. Wrasses are a diverse group of fish, with over 600 species found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. Hemigymnus species are characterized by their large size and distinctive dentition, with strong canine teeth in the front of the mouth. They are typically found in coral reefs and rocky shores, where they feed on invertebrates and small fish.

Blackeye thicklip – Hemigymnus melapterus

Common Names

Species in the genus Hemigymnus are commonly known as "boars" or "hogfish" due to their pig-like snouts and foraging behavior.

Characteristics

Hemigymnus species share several distinguishing features:

  • Large Size: They are among the largest wrasses, reaching lengths of over 1 meter.
  • Robust Body Shape: They have a stocky, compressed body.
  • Prominent Canine Teeth: They possess large, pointed canine teeth in the front of their jaws, used for crushing and tearing prey.
  • Sexual Dimorphism: There are often significant differences between the sexes in coloration and size.

Environments

Hemigymnus species are predominantly found in:

  • Coral Reefs: They inhabit both shallow and deeper reef environments.
  • Rocky Shores: They can also be found on rocky shores and coastal areas.

Distribution

Hemigymnus species are distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Pacific Ocean.

References

For further information on Hemigymnus, you can consult the following reliable sources: