Home · Labridae · Dwarf wrasse
Dwarf wrasse (Doratonotus megalepis) — Labridae

Dwarf wrasse

Doratonotus megalepis
Family: Labridae
LC · Least Concern

The Dwarf wrasse (Doratonotus megalepis) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
9.4 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–15.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The dwarf wrasse is a very small wrasse (family Labridae) of the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species reaches about 9 cm and has a stocky, green mottled body that camouflages it excellently among seagrass. It inhabits shallow beds of turtle grass and is common, but because of its camouflage is seldom noticed. Its diet consists of small crustaceans and other small invertebrates. Like many wrasses the species is a protogynous hermaphrodite that begins as a female and may later change into a male. It is harmless to humans and of no fishery value.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Dwarf wrasse?

The Dwarf wrasse has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Dwarf wrasse live?

The Dwarf wrasse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Dwarf wrasse get?

The Dwarf wrasse grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Dwarf wrasse dangerous to humans?

No, the Dwarf wrasse is harmless to humans.

Is the Dwarf wrasse edible?

The Dwarf wrasse is not usually eaten.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Dwerglipvis sourced
English name
Dwarf wrasse verified
Scientific name
Doratonotus megalepis
Family
Labridae
Other names
Dwarf Wrasse; Dwarf wrasse verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9.4 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Green inferred
Pattern
Marbled inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
15.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Protogynous (female first) sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Labridae

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →