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Axilspot wrasse (Halichoeres podostigma) — Labridae

Axilspot wrasse

Halichoeres podostigma
Family: Labridae

The Axilspot wrasse (Halichoeres podostigma) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 19 cm.

Length
18.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
2.0–25.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Timor-Leste, Viet Nam
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Axilspot wrasse is a wrasse (Labridae) from the western Pacific. The species grows to about 18 cm. The greenish body bears a black spot at the pectoral-fin base. 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 Axilspot wrasse?

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

Where does the Axilspot wrasse live?

The Axilspot wrasse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Timor-Leste, Viet Nam

How big does the Axilspot wrasse get?

The Axilspot wrasse grows to a maximum of about 19 cm.

Is the Axilspot wrasse dangerous to humans?

No, the Axilspot 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 Axilspot wrasse edible?

Yes, the Axilspot wrasse is commonly eaten.

More photos

Axilspot wrasse (Halichoeres podostigma) — Labridae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Ivan Samra, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Axilspot wrasse (Halichoeres podostigma) — Labridae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Anas Louhenapessy, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Axilspot wrasse (Halichoeres podostigma) — Labridae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Thomas Menut, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Axilspot wrasse (Halichoeres podostigma) — Labridae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Anastasia Louhenapessy, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Axilspot wrasse sourced
Scientific name
Halichoeres podostigma
Family
Labridae
Other names
Axil spot wrasse; Axilspot wrasse; Green-tail wrasse verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
18.5 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)
2.0 verified
Max depth (m)
25.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Timor-Leste, Viet Nam sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

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

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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