Fish With Big Lips Nature’s Pouty Wonders and Why They Matter

When we think of a fish, only a simple image of a sleek shark, a beautiful dolphin, or a colorful clownfish comes to mind. Not long ago, scientists found several species of fish in the depths of the ocean and in rivers that had lips that were larger than other fish.

Since then, fish with these large lips have been searched for, and these fish are found in some rivers of the world, such as the Amazon, South America, and other rivers. Recently, scientific research was conducted on these fish at the Tokyo Institute of Technology, which we will discuss below.

And let’s start talking about the purpose, diet, lifespan, and other essential things behind some of these rare breeds of Fish With Big Lips.

Why Do Some Fish with Big Lips?

The large lips of these fish may seem beautiful, even charming, to us, but they serve several important purposes in their habitat (water), which we have covered in some points to understand.

Their feeding adaptations: The large, cushioned lips help the fish reach into very small cracks and rocky crevices to catch small and hidden prey such as worms or crustaceans in the depths of the water.

• protection: Thick lips act as shock absorbers, preventing injuries when hitting coral or rocks.
• Communication and mating: In other fish species, lip size and color help attract mates or signal dominance.
• Species identification: Similar to facial features in humans, lip size and shape can help distinguish one species from another.

Anglers Baffled After Catching Fish With Giant ‘Filler Lips’

A group of fishermen were left bewildered after reeling in a fish with lips so large, one joked they resembled celebrity filler jobs. The tilapia’s oversized pout sparked laughter onboard, with one angler quipping, “That fish got its treatment for free—no Beverly Hills clinic needed.

” While the encounter was amusing, experts believe the fish’s swollen lips may have resulted from environmental stress or infection. High nitrite levels or ammonia in the water could have damaged its gills or tissues. Believing the fish was suffering, the confused crew ultimately released it back, still puzzled by its bizarre, pouty appearance.

How do these fish survive with their big lips?

Ordinary fish find it hard to hunt, but when it comes to big-lipped fish, their big lips not only set them apart from others, but they also use their big lips well in hunting. Below are some bullet points that will make it easier for you to understand.

• Survival in Harsh Habitats: Protective padding reduces injury.

• Social Signaling: Lips help fish communicate through subtle movements or displays.

• Mate Attraction: In some species, fuller lips signal health and genetic fitness.

Here Are Some Fish With Big Lips Species

 

Gourami Giant

The Gourami Giant is one of the most recognizable freshwater fish, not just for its sheer size but also for its calm, almost curious nature. Native to Southeast Asia, this fish has long fascinated aquarists and scientists alike with its adaptability and intelligence.

Reason for Large Lips:

• Feeding: The large lips help in sucking up smaller invertebrates, detritus, and algae, allowing the Gourami to forage more effectively in murky waters.
  
• Breathing: They can help create a more efficient water flow when the fish comes to the surface to gulp air.
  

Characteristics:

• The lips are thick and fleshy, which also gives them a “pouty” appearance, adding to the fish’s iconic facial expression.
  
• As they age, the lips can become even more pronounced, particularly in male Gourami Giant serving as a visual marker of size and maturity.

Key Facts:

Height/Length: Typically grows up to 70 cm (27.5 inches) in length.
Weight: Can weigh as much as 8 kg (17.6 lbs).
Lifespan: Up to 20 years in captivity, slightly less in the wild.
Habitat: Found in slow-moving rivers, swamps, and lakes in countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Distinctive Feature: Prominent thick lips and a broad, flat head with a compressed body.
Discovery: First classified in the 19th century by naturalists exploring Southeast Asia.
Purpose in Ecosystem: Helps control aquatic vegetation and algae; serves as prey and predator in its environment
Abilities: Capable of breathing air due to its labyrinth organ, allowing survival in low-oxygen waters.
Human Relevance: Often raised in aquaculture for food; also popular in large home aquariums.

Despite its somewhat grumpy face, the Giant Gourami is a gentle giant, known for recognizing its caregivers and even showing signs of problem-solving. It’s a living reminder that there’s more going on beneath the surface in the watery world.

Carp Fish 

Whether seen in ornamental ponds or wild rivers, the Common Carp has been swimming alongside human civilization for centuries. Originally native to Europe and Asia, this adaptable species has been introduced worldwide and is now found in a vast range of freshwater environments.

Reason for Large Lips:

• Feeding: Carp have large, flexible lips that help them forage along the bottom of rivers, lakes, and ponds for detritus, algae, and small invertebrates.
  
• Sensory Function: The lips are equipped with sensory barbs (like whiskers), which help the fish detect food and navigate murky waters.
  

Characteristics:

• The lips of Carp are typically broad and fleshy, used for “sucking” up food from the bottom.
  
• Their lips are also quite sensitive, helping them detect and root around for food in the substrate.

Key Facts:

• Height/Length: Grows up to 1.2 meters (almost 4 feet) in ideal conditions.
  
• Weight: Can weigh over 30 kg (66 lbs), though average adults are between 4–10 kg.
  
• Lifespan: Typically 20–30 years; some live over 40 years in captivity.
  
• Habitat: Lakes, rivers, and ponds with slow to moderate flow; prefers muddy bottoms.
  
• Distinctive Feature: Thick, deep body with large, heavy scales and sensory barbels near the mouth.
  
• Discovery: Described scientifically in the 18th century, though known and domesticated since Roman times.
  
• Purpose in Ecosystem: Bottom-feeder that stirs up sediment while foraging, influencing water clarity and plant distribution.
  
• Abilities: Highly adaptable to different temperatures and water conditions; strong learning and memory behavior.
  
• Human Relevance: Farmed for food, especially in Asia and Europe; also symbolic in art, religion, and folklore.
  

From a farmer’s pond in China to a serene temple garden in Japan, the Common Carp is more than just a fish — it’s a cultural icon. Hardy, intelligent, and long-lived, it’s no surprise this species has earned such a lasting presence in both nature and human history.

Paddletail Snapper 

Graceful yet powerful, the Paddletail Snapper is a reef-dwelling predator found in tropical oceans, where it glides through coral formations in schools, often showing off its reddish hues and distinctive tail shape. It’s a key player in the balance of reef ecosystems and a familiar sight to divers in the Indo-Pacific.

Reason for Large Lips:

• Feeding: The large lips help the fish catch prey, such as crustaceans and smaller fish, while swimming in coral reef environments.
  
• Protection: Large lips may also help protect the fish’s sensitive mouth when engaging in aggressive feeding behaviors or defending territory.
  

Characteristics:

• The lips are robust and capable of creating a powerful suction for catching prey or defending against rivals.
  
• The size of the lips also increases with age, contributing to the fish’s distinctive look.

Key Facts:

• Height/Length: Typically reaches 45–60 cm (18–24 inches), though some grow larger.
  
• Weight: Generally up to 5–6 kg (11–13 lbs).
  
• Lifespan: Around 10–15 years in the wild.
  
• Habitat: Coral reefs and lagoons of the Indo-Pacific; often near drop-offs and rocky outcrops.
  
• Distinctive Feature: Deep red or pink body with a strongly forked “paddle-like” tail.
  
• Discovery: Officially described in the 18th century; well-known to Pacific Island communities for generations.
  
• Purpose in Ecosystem: Mid-level predator; helps maintain reef health by controlling populations of smaller fish and invertebrates.
  
• Abilities: Excellent night-time hunter with sharp vision and fast reflexes.
  
• Human Relevance: Important in commercial and artisanal fishing; commonly seen in fish markets and restaurants in coastal regions.
  

While its appearance might suggest elegance, the Paddletail Snapper is all business when it comes to hunting. Still, its presence on healthy reefs is a good sign — a natural indicator that the underwater ecosystem is in balance.

Sarcastic Fringehead 

The Sarcastic Fringehead is a rare underwater fish. With its exaggerated, colorful “fringe” around its head and its bold, often combative nature, this fish packs a punch when it comes to being aggressive. Native to the rocky shores of the eastern Pacific, the Sarcastic Fringehead is known for its territorial disputes, often involving dramatic displays of mouth opening to assert dominance and capturing its prey.

• Reason for Large Lips:
  • Territorial Defense: The oversized lips are used to puff out during territorial displays and aggressive interactions with other fringeheads.
    
  • Mating Rituals: The large lips are used in courtship displays, as males may show off their lips to attract females.

• Characteristics:
  • The lips are dramatically large and often flare out during territorial disputes, making them one of the most striking features of this fish.
    
  • Their vibrant coloration and lip flaring help communicate aggression and dominance.
    

Key Facts:

• Height/Length: Usually around 12–15 cm (4.7–5.9 inches) in length, though can grow up to 18 cm (7 inches).
  
• Weight: Very light, usually under 50 grams.
  
• Lifespan: 5–7 years in the wild.
  
• Habitat: Rocky reefs and crevices along the coast of California, USA, and Baja California, Mexico.
  
• Distinctive Feature: A large, colorful fringe of fleshy tissue around its head that can be expanded when threatened or displaying aggression.
  
• Discovery: Described in 1854 by ichthyologists; it has since become a favorite subject of marine biology enthusiasts.
  
• Purpose in Ecosystem: Acts as a small but fierce predator, feeding on smaller fish, crustaceans, and invertebrates, keeping populations in check.
  
• Abilities: Extremely aggressive in defending its territory; can open its mouth wide in a threat display, almost as if “kissing” its opponent.
  
• Human Relevance: Famous in marine biology for its aggressive behavior and unique appearance; not commonly targeted for commercial fishing but admired in the aquarium trade.
  

Despite its small size, the Sarcastic Fringehead is anything but shy. It’s a fascinating species, showcasing how even the smallest creatures can command attention through bold behavior and distinctive looks.

Big-lip Damselfish (Cheiloprion labiatus)

The Big-lip Damselfish is an eye-catching species often seen darting through the vibrant coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific. With its bright, metallic blue body and notably large, swollen lips, this fish is easily recognizable and often admired by divers and marine enthusiasts alike.

Reason for Large Lips:

• Feeding: The large lips help the fish scrape algae and small invertebrates off coral or rocks.
  
• Mating Display: The size and color of the lips are enhanced during the breeding season, helping males attract mates.
  

Characteristics:

• The lips are brightly colored, often red or orange, creating an eye-catching display.
  
• Their size and shape help the fish effectively graze on reef surfaces and defend their feeding grounds.

Key Points:

• Height/Length: Typically grows up to 15–20 cm (6–8 inches) in length.
  
• Weight: Generally weighs under 100 grams.
  
• Lifespan: Can live up to 10 years in the wild.
  
• Habitat: Found in coral reefs and rocky areas of the Indo-Pacific, particularly around islands like Fiji, Tonga, and the Great Barrier Reef.
  
• Distinctive Feature: Large, puffy lips that stand out against its sleek body, often described as “oversized.”
  
• Discovery: Identified and classified in the 19th century by marine biologists studying coral reef ecosystems.
  
• Purpose in Ecosystem: Herbivore, feeding on algae and small invertebrates; helps maintain healthy reef ecosystems by controlling algal growth.
  
• Abilities: Quick and agile, using its small size and speed to avoid predators; can use its lips in a variety of social and feeding behaviors.
  
• Human Relevance: Popular in the aquarium trade due to its vivid colors and unique look; serves as an example of reef health in marine conservation efforts.
  

Though it might look a little comical with its oversized lips, the Big-lip Damselfish is an essential part of the reef ecosystem, contributing to the balance of algae and maintaining the beauty of coral environments.

Neoplecostomus sp.

The Neoplecostomus species is a remarkable group of armored catfish, known for their distinctive, bony plating and specialized body structure. Native to the rivers and streams of the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America, these fish are masters of camouflage and bottom-feeding, blending seamlessly into their environment.

• Reason for Large Lips:
  • Feeding: Large lips help the fish suction onto surfaces and scrape algae off rocks and other underwater structures.
    
  • Environmental Adaptation: The lips help them cling to rocks and move against strong water currents in their natural habitat.

• Characteristics:
  
  • The lips are flat and adapted for scraping algae, making the armored catfish an essential component of its ecosystem.
    
  • The lips are particularly strong, helping the fish stay in place in fast-moving waters.
    

Key Facts:

• Height/Length: Grows up to 20–30 cm (8–12 inches), with some individuals reaching larger sizes.
  
• Weight: Typically weighs between 100–300 grams, depending on size and age.
  
• Lifespan: Can live up to 8–10 years in the wild.
  
• Habitat: Found in slow-moving rivers, streams, and tributaries of the Amazon and Orinoco, often in areas with a lot of rocks and submerged wood.
  
• Distinctive Feature: Heavy armor-like plates covering the body, offering protection against predators, and a flat, sucker-like mouth used for scraping algae.
  
• Discovery: Identified as part of the large family of Loricariidae catfish, though exact species identification is still ongoing in some cases.
  
• Purpose in Ecosystem: Herbivore, feeding primarily on algae and detritus, which helps maintain clean riverbeds and reduce algal blooms.
  
• Abilities: Capable of attaching firmly to rocks or wood with its sucker mouth, even in strong currents; well-protected by its bony armor against larger predators.
  
• Human Relevance: Popular in the aquarium trade for its unique look and algae-eating abilities; also contributes to maintaining water quality in home aquariums.
  

The Neoplecostomus catfish, with its bony armor and strong sucker, is a true master of riverbed life. Its ability to thrive in environments with strong currents and limited food sources showcases the resilience of nature’s creatures.

Humphead Wrasse 

The Humphead Wrasse is a gentle giant of the coral reef, known for its massive size, prominent forehead hump, and brilliant blue-green coloration. Often seen gliding gracefully over coral gardens, this fish is not only stunning in appearance but also crucial to the health of reef ecosystems.

Reason for Large Lips:

• Feeding: The large lips are used for feeding on hard-shelled prey, such as sea urchins, mollusks, and crustaceans.
  
• Mating: The lips, along with a pronounced forehead hump, play a role in attracting mates during the breeding season.
  

Characteristics:

• The lips are strong and muscular, perfect for breaking open hard prey.
  
• They are accentuated in males, particularly during breeding, to make them more noticeable to females.

Key Facts:

• Height/Length: Can grow up to 2.3 meters (7.5 feet) long.
  
• Weight: May weigh over 180 kg (400 lbs), making it one of the largest reef fish in the world.
  
• Lifespan: Can live for more than 30 years, possibly up to 50.
  
• Habitat: Coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, Great Barrier Reef, and coastal Southeast Asia.
  
• Distinctive Feature: Large hump on the forehead (more prominent in adult males) and thick, fleshy lips.
  
• Discovery: Known to science for centuries; first formally described in 1801.
  
• Purpose in Ecosystem: Feeds on toxic prey like crown-of-thorns starfish and sea urchins, helping to control populations that threaten coral reefs.
  
• Abilities: Has strong jaws to crush hard-shelled prey; intelligent and curious behavior noted by divers.
  
• Human Relevance: Considered endangered due to overfishing and the live reef fish trade; now protected in many regions and a focus of reef conservation efforts.
  

Majestic and mysterious, the Humphead Wrasse is a vital guardian of coral reefs. Its presence signals a healthy ecosystem, and its protection is essential for preserving marine biodiversity.

Giant Grouper

The Giant Grouper, also known as the Queensland Grouper, is a colossal reef dweller and a legendary species among divers and fishermen. With its sheer bulk and bold presence, this fish can be found lurking in warm tropical waters, usually near reefs, shipwrecks, and caves.

• Reason for Large Lips:
  
  • Feeding: The large lips help the grouper capture prey like fish, crustaceans, and mollusks, often in coral reefs and rocky habitats.
    
  • Predatory Display: The lips may assist in creating suction when the fish catches its food, enhancing its predatory abilities.

• Characteristics:
  
  • The lips are not only large but also highly mobile, helping the grouper swallow large prey.
    
  • As a large apex predator, its lips play a vital role in securing and handling its meals.

Key Facts:

• Height/Length: Can grow up to 2.7 meters (nearly 9 feet) long.
  
• Weight: May weigh over 400 kg (880 lbs), making it the largest bony reef fish in the world.
  
• Lifespan: Can live for over 40 years in the wild.
  
• Habitat: Warm coastal waters of the Indo-Pacific, including coral reefs, estuaries, and mangroves.
  
• Distinctive Feature: Massive body, broad head, small eyes, and dark blotchy patterns along the skin.
  
• Discovery: Known for centuries in indigenous coastal cultures; first scientifically described in the 19th century.
  
• Purpose in Ecosystem: Apex predator; feeds on fish, crustaceans, and even small sharks, helping control reef populations and maintain balance.
  
• Abilities: Powerful ambush hunter with an enormous mouth capable of swallowing large prey whole; also known to produce low, rumbling sounds underwater.
  
• Human Relevance: Once heavily targeted for its size and meat; now protected in many regions due to overfishing concerns and its slow reproductive rate.
  

The Giant Grouper is more than just big — it’s a keystone species of reef ecosystems and a symbol of ocean strength. Though intimidating in size, it plays a quiet but crucial role in maintaining the balance of coral reef life.

Sweetlips Fish 

Sweetlips fish are named for their thick, fleshy lips, which give them a “pouting” appearance that many divers find endearing. Belonging to the genus Plectorhinchus, these fish are commonly seen in coral reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific, gliding gently over the reef or resting under ledges in small groups.

Reason for Large Lips:

• Foraging: The large lips are used to help the fish extract food from cracks and crevices in coral reefs, often feeding on small invertebrates and fish.
  
• Display: The lips can become more pronounced during aggressive interactions or courtship.

Characteristics:

• The lips are fleshy and flexible, giving the fish the ability to manipulate and grasp its food.
  
• The “sweetlips” look — often exaggerated in older specimens — is part of their distinct, charismatic appearance.

Key Facts:

• Height/Length: Typically ranges from 30 cm to 1 meter (12 to 39 inches), depending on species.
  
• Weight: Can weigh between 2–15 kg (4–33 lbs).
  
• Lifespan: 10–20 years in the wild.
  
• Habitat: Coral reefs, lagoons, and outer reef slopes across the Indo-Pacific, including the Maldives, Indonesia, and Australia.
  
• Distinctive Feature: Thick, pouty lips; many species feature bold stripes, spots, or both; juveniles often look very different from adults.
  
• Discovery: Well-known for centuries; several species in the genus have been described since the 1800s.
  
• Purpose in Ecosystem: Mid-level predator; feeds on small invertebrates, crustaceans, and occasionally small fish, helping manage reef biodiversity.
  
• Abilities: Skilled at hovering and maneuvering among corals; some species show color changes from juvenile to adult forms.
  
• Human Relevance: Popular in scuba diving photography for their beauty; some species are caught for food, but not heavily targeted due to their slower growth.
  

With their calm demeanor, eye-catching patterns, and that signature pout, Sweetlips fish are a beautiful and essential part of coral reef life. They add not only color but also balance to the vibrant underwater world.

Red-rimmed Snakehead

The Red-rimmed Snakehead is a lesser-known but visually stunning member of the Channa genus, featuring vibrant red highlights around its fins and a sleek, torpedo-shaped body. 

Found in select freshwater habitats in northeastern India, this species has gained attention among aquarists and ichthyologists alike for its coloration and adaptability.

Reason for Large Lips:

• Feeding: Large lips help the snakehead suck in small prey, such as fish and invertebrates, from the water column or muddy substrates.
  
• Survival: The lips assist the fish in breathing air when the oxygen levels in the water are low, providing an adaptation to stagnant water bodies.
  

Characteristics:

• The lips are thick and fleshy, with bright red edges that give the fish its name.
  
• The snakehead is known for its predatory skills, aided by these lips to grab and swallow prey quickly.

Key Facts:

• Height/Length: Reaches about 15–20 cm (6–8 inches) in length.
  
• Weight: Typically weighs between 100–200 grams.
  
• Lifespan: Can live up to 8–10 years with proper conditions.
  
• Habitat: Inhabits shallow, slow-moving freshwater streams and pools in Nagaland, India — a region known for high aquatic biodiversity.
  
• Distinctive Feature: Deep red edges on its dorsal and anal fins, which contrast against a generally dark or bluish-gray body.
  
• Discovery: Officially described in 2014 during freshwater biodiversity surveys in northeastern India.
  
• Purpose in Ecosystem: Carnivorous predator; controls populations of smaller fish, insects, and invertebrates in its ecosystem.
  
• Abilities: Capable of breathing air with its labyrinth organ; can survive in low-oxygen waters and even move short distances across land when needed.
  
• Human Relevance: Rare in the pet trade due to its recent discovery and limited distribution; prized for its color and moderate size.
  

The Red-rimmed Snakehead combines beauty with resilience. Its vivid fins and survival skills make it a standout in freshwater habitats — and a reminder of how much biodiversity remains hidden in Earth’s rivers and streams.

Andaman Shortnose Chimaera

Chimaera supapae, also known as the Andaman Shortnose Chimaera, is a rare deep-sea species that resembles something out of science fiction. With a smooth, scaleless body and long, tapering tail, this elusive fish glides along the ocean floor in the inky blackness of the deep Andaman Sea.

Reason for Large Lips:

• Prey Detection: The large lips, in combination with the fish’s sensory organs, help the chimaera detect and capture small invertebrates in the dark depths of the Andaman Sea.
  
• Suction: The lips also assist in creating suction to secure prey from the ocean floor, a key adaptation in the deep-sea environment.
  

Characteristics:

• The lips are soft and slightly flared, aiding in prey capture in low-light conditions.
  
• This fish relies on a combination of electroreception and suction feeding to locate and consume food.

Key Points:

• Height/Length: Reaches about 40–60 cm (16–24 inches) in length, with a tail nearly half its body size.
  
• Weight: Estimated at 1–2 kg (2.2–4.4 lbs), though rarely encountered.
  
• Lifespan: Unknown, but likely several decades, similar to other deep-sea chimaeras.
  
• Habitat: Found at depths of around 500–1,200 meters (1,640–3,940 feet) in the Andaman Sea near Thailand.
  
• Distinctive Feature: Short, rounded snout; long tail; smooth, scaleless skin; and large, glowing eyes adapted for the deep sea.
  
• Discovery: Described in 2005 from specimens collected during deep-sea surveys in the eastern Indian Ocean.
  
• Purpose in Ecosystem: Feeds on small invertebrates like worms, mollusks, and crustaceans; plays a quiet but vital role in deep-sea food webs.
  
• Abilities: Uses electroreception (like sharks and rays) to detect prey in total darkness; its cartilaginous skeleton makes it light and flexible.
  
• Human Relevance: Of scientific interest for evolutionary studies; rarely seen or caught, making it a symbol of the ocean’s unexplored mysteries.
  

Mysterious and almost mythical, the Andaman Shortnose Chimaera is a living fossil gliding silently through the abyss. Its rarity and ancient lineage remind us just how little we truly know about the deep-sea world.

Aquarium Care Tips for Big-Lipped Fish

If you are interested in adopting these large-lipped fish, here are some essential tips for keeping them at home that will help you keep these rare large-lipped fish at home.

Tips

• Tank Size: Bigger is better, especially for active or large species like gouramis or triggerfish.

• Diet: Provide a varied diet—many big-lipped fish are picky or need meaty foods.

• Tankmates: Some species are territorial (like gouramis or cichlids), so research compatibility.

• Health Checks: Monitor their lips for swelling, cuts, or infections, especially in rocky tanks.

Conclusion

Fish with big lips are more than just aquatic oddities—they’re evolutionary success stories. From their unique adaptations to their growing fame in the aquarium world, these fish show us how beauty and function can go hand in hand (or fin in fin).

So the next time you spot a fish with a pout that rivals a supermodel’s, take a closer look. There’s a lot more behind those lips than meets the eye.

FAQs

1. What is the name of the fish with big lips?

Several fish are known for their large, pouty lips. Some of the most notable include:

• Sweetlips fish (genus Plectorhinchus) – famous for their thick, rubbery lips and vibrant patterns.

• Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) – a massive reef fish with prominent fleshy lips.

• Kissing gourami (Helostoma temminckii) – known for its lip-locking behavior in freshwater aquariums.

• Some African cichlids – especially those from Lake Malawi, like Haplochromis species.

2. What is the name of the fish with a big mouth?

Fish with notably large mouths often use them for predation or territorial displays. Key examples:

• Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) – a freshwater predator with a famously large jaw.

• Goliath tigerfish (Hydrocynus goliath) – has an enormous, tooth-filled mouth.

• Groupers – have wide, expandable mouths for ambush hunting.

3. What kind of fish has a large mouth?

In general, predatory fish tend to have large mouths. Common types include:

• Largemouth bass (as above)

• Peacock bass

• Arapaima – one of the largest freshwater fish with a wide, gaping mouth

• Anglerfish – deep-sea fish with gigantic jaws relative to body size

4. What is the Japanese fish with big lips?

The fish you’re likely thinking of is the Asian sheepshead wrasse (Semicossyphus reticulatus):

• Native to waters around Japan, Korea, and China.

• Known for its thick lips and large, bulbous forehead.

• It’s often photographed due to its almost human-like facial features.