Marine life profile

Asian Sheepshead Wrasse

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Where divers encounter it

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The Asian sheephead wrasse ( Bodianus reticulatus ), also known as kobudai (瘤鯛 or コブダイ) in Japan, is one of the largest species of wrasse. It follows a daily rhythm of feeding, sheltering and interacting with rivals, partners or a larger school.

Dive sites0

Countries0

Animal groupReef Fish

Safety profileGenerally Harmless

Meet the species

What to look for

How to Recognize It

Use body shape, fin outline, color pattern and swimming style to separate it from the surrounding reef community.

How It Behaves

It follows a daily rhythm of feeding, sheltering and interacting with rivals, partners or a larger school.

Special Ability

Precise fins and a body shaped for its niche let it turn, hover or accelerate exactly where food and shelter demand.

Dive responsibly

Share the water well

How to Approach

Move slowly at the same depth, avoid swimming directly at it and let the fish resume its normal behavior.

Safety

Usually safe to observe at a respectful distance. Never feed, corner or touch a fish, especially near nests or cleaning stations.

Worth knowing

The detail you remember

Interesting Facts

Native to the western Pacific Ocean, it inhabits rocky reef areas and prefers temperate waters around the Korean Peninsula, China and Japan (including the Ogasawara Islands).

Where to Find

Look around coral structure, rocky reef, wrecks and current lines where shelter and food meet.