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Orangefin wrasse (Halichoeres melanochir) — Labridae

Orangefin wrasse

Halichoeres melanochir
Family: Labridae

The Orangefin wrasse (Halichoeres melanochir) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 18 cm.

Length
18 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
5.0–25.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Orangefin wrasse is a wrasse (Labridae) from the western Pacific. The species grows to about 18 cm. The dark body has orange-edged fins. 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 Orangefin wrasse?

The Orangefin wrasse has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly black.

Where does the Orangefin wrasse live?

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

How big does the Orangefin wrasse get?

The Orangefin wrasse grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.

Is the Orangefin wrasse dangerous to humans?

No, the Orangefin wrasse is harmless to humans.

Is the Orangefin wrasse edible?

Yes, the Orangefin wrasse is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zwartvin-lipvis sourced
English name
Orangefin wrasse sourced
Scientific name
Halichoeres melanochir
Family
Labridae
Other names
Orangefin wrasse; Orange-fin wrasse; Purple wrasse verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
18.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Black sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
5.0 verified
Max depth (m)
25.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Halichoeres

More from the family Labridae

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