When scuba diving and in shallow areas snorkeling, you may come across these interesting looking fish. They have a red lip and always seem to be in a smiling mood. Their body are like a triangular ghost like bottom. Red-lip bennies are very territorial and with two long canine teeth, defends their territory against intruders. 4 inches in length is the typical fully grown adult size.
Roughly about 10 days before and 4 days after the full moon each month. Redlip bennies basically reproduce year round. The males create the nests by removing algae, sand, rocks and anything else that is in the way to make space for the female to lay the eggs. To attract a mate, the male would hover at the entrance of their nest with anal and dorsal fins spread. They dodge back into their nesting site for cover after a brief moment. When going to the males, the females approach with their bodies elevated, to expose their swollen bellies. The males can have up to 3 females and to select one of his liking, pecks them on the head. Once chosen, the female lays her adhesive eggs all over the nest, along walls etc.. The males in the same fashion fertilizes the eggs laid by the female.
The male chases any other females that approaches as another female is actively laying her eggs. However, up to 3 females may as well lay eggs in the nesting site of one male. The males protect the eggs from predators especially the blue head wrasse and also cleans the nest ensuring no algae grows or any infertile egg is removed. After 5 days of fertilizations the eggs hatch during the cover of night. they are able to reproduce or reach sexual maturity after about two months.
Predators are but not limited to Groupers, Trumpet fish, Snappers and Scorpionfish.