Species guide
How to catch Cocktail wrasse
Pteragogus flagellifer
saltwatergame fishLabridae
The Cocktail wrasse is a small, colorful reef fish known for its active hunting behavior. It inhabits coastal areas with algae, coral, and seagrass, making it a vibrant part of the marine ecosystem. Anglers appreciate it as a spirited game fish in tropical waters.
Where they live
Found in shallow to moderate depths among algae patches on coral or rocky reefs, weedy bottoms, and adult seagrass beds in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
Typical size
Up to about 20 cm
What they eat
- benthic invertebrates
- small macrofauna
Best baits
- small shrimp
- worms
- crustaceans
Best lures
- small jigs
- soft plastic lures
- tiny spoons
How to fish for them
- light spinning tackle
- lure casting
- bottom fishing with bait
Track every Cocktail wrasse you catch.
Bobbr turns each catch into a species collection, quests, and streaks. We're building it now — join the iOS waitlist for $19 lifetime founding access.
Claim founding access