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Pinkbelly wrasse (Halichoeres chlorocephalus) — Labridae

Pinkbelly wrasse

Halichoeres chlorocephalus
Family: Labridae

The Pinkbelly wrasse (Halichoeres chlorocephalus) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
7.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
15–30 m
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines

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Description

The Pinkbelly wrasse is a wrasse (Labridae) from reef water of the western Pacific. The species grows to about 12 cm and has an elongate, green with a pink belly body that changes colour with age and sex. As a day-active, bottom-oriented fish it swims above coral, rock and sand and picks small crustaceans, molluscs and worms; at night it buries in the sand. Like many wrasses a female can change sex. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Pinkbelly wrasse?

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

Where does the Pinkbelly wrasse live?

The Pinkbelly wrasse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines

How big does the Pinkbelly wrasse get?

The Pinkbelly wrasse grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Pinkbelly wrasse dangerous to humans?

No, the Pinkbelly 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.

More photos

Pinkbelly wrasse (Halichoeres chlorocephalus) — Labridae — 2
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Pinkbelly wrasse (Halichoeres chlorocephalus) — Labridae — 3
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM

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All data

Identification

English name
Pinkbelly wrasse sourced
Scientific name
Halichoeres chlorocephalus
Family
Labridae
Other names
Greenhead wrasse sourced

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.5 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)
15 verified
Max depth (m)
30 verified
Natural range
Asia: Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish.
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 Halichoeres

More from the family Labridae

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