This, the largest fish family in Hawaii, consists of 43 species, many of which are endemic. Hawaiians called most wrasses Hinalea or Hilu .
Wrasses are active during the day, feeding upon a variety of small animals, detritus, and algae.
They take refuge under the sand or in a mucus coccoon at night. Most wrasses are poor table fare except for the Hawaiian Hogfish and large Razorfishes that are caught bottom fishing. They feed upon crustaceans and mollusks in sand or rubble. They have the curious habit of diving into the sand for protection and are difficult to approach. Known locally as Nabeta.