Behold the Maori Wrasse: one of the largest bony fish on the reef, growing up to 6–7 feet long. Known for their striking patterns and big personalities, these gentle giants are curious enough to swim right up and inspect divers. Found in coral reefs across the Indo-Pacific, they are opportunistic predators, feeding on crustaceans, molluscs, fish, and even toxic prey like sea hares, boxfish, and crown-of-thorns starfish. Crown-of-thorns starfish are one of the greatest threats to coral reefs after climate change. They are voracious coral-eaters whose population outbreaks can devastate already-stressed reefs. By preying on them, the Maori Wrasse helps us keep crown-of-thorns starfish populations under control. These long-lived fish can reach 25–32 years of age, but their slow reproduction means populations recover very slowly. Overfishing and habitat loss have caused numbers to decline, making their protection crucial. Friendly, beautiful, and helpful — what more could you ask for ...