wrasse

[ ras ]

noun

1. any of various marine fishes of the family Labridae, especially of the genus Labrus, having thick, fleshy lips, powerful teeth, and usually a brilliant color, certain species being valued as food fishes.

wrasse

/ ræs /

noun

1. any marine percoid fish of the family Labridae, of tropical and temperate seas, having thick lips, strong teeth, and usually a bright coloration: many are used as food fishes

Word History and Origins

Origin of wrasse¹

1665–75; apparently originally a plural of dial. (Cornwall) wrah, wraugh, wrath < Cornish wragh, lenited form of gwragh literally, old woman, hag; compare Welsh gwrach ( en ), Breton gwrac’h, also with both senses

Word History and Origins

Origin of wrasse¹

C17: from Cornish wrach; related to Welsh gwrach old woman

Example Sentences

Following a visit to the site of the incident, Mr Moyes believes the dead fish in the water to be wrasse.

From BBC

Dr. Kohda knows well how tough persuading scientists can be, after his own extensive efforts to demonstrate self-awareness in the bluestreak cleaner wrasse fish.

From New York Times

Lorian Schweikert was fishing in the Florida Keys when she hooked a hogfish—a type of tasty wrasse that’s known for its ability to change colors to match its coral reef environment.

From Scientific American

After a week with a mirror in their tank, cleaner wrasses seem able to spot themselves in photos.

From Scientific American

In 2019, cleaner wrasses — which are tiny tropical reef fish — were the first fish to pass the mirror test.

From Salon