Peacock Wrasse (juvenile)

Description:

Also known as Peacock Leaf Fish, Leaf Wrasse and Indianfish, and also referred to as Xyrichthys pavo. When disturbed, they will dive into the sand, and can "swim" long distances through the sand to deter predators. Juveniles are brightly colored and can look and behave like dead leaves. (Adults eventually turn grey or blue.) They feed on hard-shell invertebrates, and grow to a length of 35cm.

Habitat:

Found singly or in pairs over sandy areas near coral reefs, at depths of 2 to 20m. (Adults are found at depths of 20 to 100m.) Widespread in the Indo-Pacific region.

Notes:

Spotted this fish at a sandy-bottom and rubble dive site, in less than 7m of water. When it swam away from me, it swayed from side to side and didn't swim in a straight direction.