Sarcastic fringeheads grow to a maximum of 12 inches but are larger than all other fringeheads. This fish is very aggressive and territorial.

The sarcastic fringehead may get the first part of its name from its amusing fighting style. The sarcastic fringehead will engage in a mouth-off. It will open its alien-like mouth and show its colorful interior and size to its competitor. Two male sarcastic fringeheads might even smack mouths.

Another explanation comes from the Greek word sarkasmós, which means to tear or bite and translates to ‘sarcastic’ in English. The scientist who named it was likely referring to fish’s needle-sharp teeth.