The wrasses are a family, Labridae, of marine fish, many of which are brightly colored. The family is large and diverse, with about 500 species in 60 genera.
Their size varies from less than 20 cm long up to 2.5 metres. They are efficient carnivores, feeding on a wide range of small invertebrates. Many smaller wrasses follow the feeding trails of larger fish, picking up invertebrates disturbed by their passing.
The word "wrasse" comes via Cornish from the Welsh word gwrach meaning an old woman or hag.