WeWow on the Weekend (10/5/24)

Unique Features

The Tube Lip Wrasse is a fascinating fish known for its unique ability to consume poisonous coral. Mindy Thomas explains that this fish uses its slimy, mucusy lips to form a protective barrier against the coral's venomous cells, allowing it to safely eat the coral's flesh 1. These lips, resembling an upside-down mushroom top, are equipped with tiny detectors to find the best parts of the coral to consume 2. This adaptation is rare, as only 128 out of 6000 fish species in coral reefs can eat such coral 1.

   

Survival Tactics

The survival strategies of the Tube Lip Wrasse are as intriguing as its biological features. Guy Raz and Mindy discuss how this fish thrives in the dangerous environment of coral reefs by using its lips to suck the coral's mucus and flesh, leaving a visible mark 1. Despite the coral's sharpness and poisonous coating, the fish's mucus-producing lips act as a shield, allowing it to feed without harm 2. Mindy humorously notes that the fish's lips are so effective, they resemble a vacuum cleaner, separating edible parts from the poisonous ones 3.