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Rainbow cale (Heteroscarus acroptilus) — Odacidae

Rainbow cale

Heteroscarus acroptilus
Family: Odacidae

The Rainbow cale (Heteroscarus acroptilus) is a saltwater fish of the family Odacidae that grows up to 24 cm.

Length
24 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–15.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The rainbow cale is a wrasse (Odacidae) from coastal waters of southern Australia. The species grows to about 24 cm and has an elongate body that changes colour: females red-brown, dominant males green-blue with handsome markings. As a bottom-oriented fish it lives among weed and seagrass of rocky reefs and snaps at small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Rainbow cale?

The Rainbow cale has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly green.

Where does the Rainbow cale live?

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

How big does the Rainbow cale get?

The Rainbow cale grows to a maximum of about 24 cm.

Is the Rainbow cale dangerous to humans?

No, the Rainbow cale is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Regenboog-zeekarper sourced
English name
Rainbow cale sourced
Scientific name
Heteroscarus acroptilus
Family
Odacidae
Other names
Rainbow cale; Rainbow fish verified

Appearance

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

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 inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes sourced

For anglers

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

More from the family Odacidae

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