Species guide
How to catch Blackeye thicklip
Hemigymnus melapterus
saltwatergame fishLabridae
Blackeye thicklip is a colorful wrasse found in tropical reefs. They have thick lips and a distinctive blackeye region. These fish feed mainly on small invertebrates and are popular among anglers in their range.
Where they live
Found inshore on subtidal reef flats, lagoon, and seaward reefs across the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Juveniles prefer branching corals, while adults inhabit mixed sand, rubble, and coral areas up to 30 meters deep.
Typical size
Up to about 40 cm
What they eat
- small crustaceans
- brittle stars
- mollusks
- polychaete worms
- other small benthic invertebrates
Best baits
- small crustaceans
- shrimp
- worms
- small mollusks
Best lures
- small soft plastics
- jigs
- small hard-bodied lures
How to fish for them
- bottom fishing
- light tackle reef fishing
- casting near reef structures
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