Growing knowledge and understanding of dichromatism and sex reversal in Labridae

A brief survey is given of current literature in comparison with former studies. Since the 18th century phenotypic diversity of Labridae is a matter of argument. At first in dribs and drabs, yet last decades at a rapid rate, dichromatic adult morphs are synonymized. There are few monochromatic species. Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites. Most species are described as monandric, but a minority (of slightly or extremely dichromatic) species is diandric, with both primary and secondary males. Terminal males reproduce with single females, but initial phase males spawn in aggregations. Some species are haremic, and large males are permanently or temporarily territorial. Last decades insight in the various social factors has greatly increased, resulting in theoretic models to explain the evolution of the typical, diverse modes of labrid reproductive biology.