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Finspot razorfish (Iniistius melanopus) — Labridae

Finspot razorfish

Iniistius melanopus
Family: Labridae

The Finspot razorfish (Iniistius melanopus) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 26 cm.

Length
26 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–64 m
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Guam, Indonesia, Japan, Ryukyu Is. and others
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The finspot razorfish is a wrasse (Labridae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 26 cm and has a deep, strongly compressed, pale body with a steep, blade-like forehead and a dark spot on the dorsal fin. As a dweller of sand flats near reefs it dives head-first into the sand at lightning speed when threatened. It snaps at small invertebrates in the sediment. Like many wrasses it changes sex. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Finspot razorfish?

The Finspot razorfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly white.

Where does the Finspot razorfish live?

The Finspot razorfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Guam, Indonesia, Japan, Ryukyu Is. and others

How big does the Finspot razorfish get?

The Finspot razorfish grows to a maximum of about 26 cm.

Is the Finspot razorfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Finspot razorfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Finspot razorfish edible?

Yes, the Finspot razorfish is commonly eaten.

More photos

Finspot razorfish (Iniistius melanopus) — Labridae — 2
Williams, Jeffrey T. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Finspot razorfish (Iniistius melanopus) — Labridae — 3
Williams, Jeffrey T. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Finspot razorfish (Iniistius melanopus) — Labridae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — (c) portioid, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Finspot razorfish (Iniistius melanopus) — Labridae — 5
Wikimedia Commons — (c) portioid, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) (CC BY-SA 4.0)

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All data

Identification

English name
Finspot razorfish sourced
Scientific name
Iniistius melanopus
Family
Labridae
Other names
Yellowpatch razorfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
26 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
White sourced
Tail shape
Straight

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Max depth (m)
64 verified
Natural range
Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Guam, Indonesia, Japan, Ryukyu Is. and others sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates
Territorial
No
Activity
Diurnal
Reproduction
Protogynous (female first) sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten
Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Iniistius

More from the family Labridae

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