Xyrichtys sp.

leaf wrasse, peacock razor wrasse

Pictured here is a juvenile member of the Xyrichtys genus, It could be X. pavo or X.dea. Wrasses in this genus have a unique escape strategy . When approached they dive into the sand to swim under the sand for several metres before reemerging . The flat head profile creates a pressure wave which separates the sand ahead of them as long as momentum is maintained .