Fin's Fish Guide
The Alaya (Halichoeres radiatus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 51 cm.
Description
The puddingwife wrasse is a robust wrasse of the family Labridae from the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species grows to about 51 cm and has a greenish to bluish body with orange-yellow tints; adults show a pale vertical bar mid-flank. Adults live on shallow patch and seaward reefs to at least 55 metres; juveniles stay in shallower coral reef. As a predator it crushes hard-shelled prey such as molluscs, crustaceans and sea urchins with powerful jaws. Like many wrasses it changes sex during life, from female to male. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Alaya?
The Alaya has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a plain pattern. Green-blue with orange-yellow tints and a light flank bar; changes sex during its life. Note: in tropical areas this species can cause ciguatera poisoning when eaten; large specimens of coral reef predators can accumulate the toxin. Eat with caution or avoid in risk areas.
Where does the Alaya live?
The Alaya lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic and Caribbean; reef and seaward reefs.
How big does the Alaya get?
The Alaya grows to a maximum of about 51 cm. On average the species is around 40 cm.
Is the Alaya dangerous to humans?
The flesh of the Alaya is poisonous, so don't eat it. It has no venomous spines. In some tropical areas the flesh of this wrasse can contain ciguatera, an algal toxin that builds up through the food chain and is not destroyed by cooking. Avoid eating large specimens there. If you get tingling, vomiting or diarrhoea after eating it, see a doctor.
Is the Alaya edible?
The Alaya is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Halichoeres
More from the family Labridae
Want the complete picture on the Alaya?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Alaya is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone