Product Description
The Asian sheepshead wrasse (Semicossyphus reticulatus) is one of the largest species of wrasse. It’s native to the western Pacific Ocean and can be found around the Korean Peninsula, China, Japan, and the Ogasawara Islands. These striking fish inhabit rocky reef areas and can grow up to 100 cm (39 inches) in total length, with the heaviest recorded individual weighing 14.7 kg (32 lbs). Interestingly, the Asian sheepshead wrasse is hermaphroditic, possessing both male and female reproductive organs, which allows it to change its sex as it matures. All sheepshead wrasses are initially born female and later transition to male as they age12.
In fact, this species gained media attention when the remarkable transformation from female to male was captured on camera by the BBC Earth crew while filming near Sado Island, Japan. It’s a fascinating example of nature’s complexity! Additionally, Japanese diver Hiroyuki Arakawa has maintained a 30-year relationship with a sheepshead wrasse named “Yoriko” in Japan’s Tateyama Bay, where he serves as the caretaker for an underwater Shinto shrine. He communicates with Yoriko by hitting a bell on the underwater shrine34.
These unique fish not only contribute to marine ecosystems but also provide a captivating glimpse into the wonders of aquatic life.
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