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Goldstripe wrasse (Halichoeres zeylonicus) — Labridae

Goldstripe wrasse

Halichoeres zeylonicus
Family: Labridae

The Goldstripe wrasse (Halichoeres zeylonicus) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
10–40 m
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Australia, Bahrain, Sri Lanka, China, India, Indonesia and others
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Goldstripe wrasse is a wrasse (Labridae) from the Indian Ocean. The species grows to about 20 cm. A yellow to orange longitudinal stripe runs along the flank. As a bottom-oriented fish it searches sand and reef bottoms for small invertebrates; when threatened or at night it dives into the sand. It changes sex and colour. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Goldstripe wrasse?

The Goldstripe wrasse has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly green.

Where does the Goldstripe wrasse live?

The Goldstripe wrasse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Australia, Bahrain, Sri Lanka, China, India, Indonesia and others

How big does the Goldstripe wrasse get?

The Goldstripe wrasse grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Goldstripe wrasse dangerous to humans?

No, the Goldstripe wrasse 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 Goldstripe wrasse edible?

Yes, the Goldstripe wrasse is commonly eaten.

More photos

Goldstripe wrasse (Halichoeres zeylonicus) — Labridae — 2
SAIAB (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — SAIAB
Goldstripe wrasse (Halichoeres zeylonicus) — Labridae — 3
M. Mwale (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — SAIAB
Goldstripe wrasse (Halichoeres zeylonicus) — Labridae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — Rainer Kretzberg (CC BY 3.0)
Goldstripe wrasse (Halichoeres zeylonicus) — Labridae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) barthazes, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))

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All data

Identification

English name
Goldstripe wrasse sourced
Scientific name
Halichoeres zeylonicus
Family
Labridae
Other names
Goldstripe wrasse; Sri Lankan wrasse; Wrasse; Ceylon wrasse verified

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
10 verified
Max depth (m)
40 verified
Natural range
Asia: Australia, Bahrain, Sri Lanka, China, India, Indonesia 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
FishBase ↗

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 Halichoeres

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