Fin's Fish Guide
The Black-blotched rainbowfish (Halichoeres chloropterus) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 19 cm.
Description
The pastel-green wrasse is a wrasse (Labridae) from the western Pacific. Adults are predominantly pastel green, sometimes with pinkish markings; juveniles are light green with dark spots. It inhabits shallow, protected coral reefs and adjacent silty sand and rubble bottoms. As a bottom predator it feeds mainly on hard-shelled prey such as molluscs and crustaceans, which it crushes with its jaw teeth. Like many wrasses it is a protogynous hermaphrodite. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Black-blotched rainbowfish?
The Black-blotched rainbowfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a plain pattern. Pastel-green reef dweller; crushes hard-shelled prey; protogynous hermaphrodite.
Where does the Black-blotched rainbowfish live?
The Black-blotched rainbowfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Pacific; shallow sheltered coral reefs.
How big does the Black-blotched rainbowfish get?
The Black-blotched rainbowfish grows to a maximum of about 19 cm.
Is the Black-blotched rainbowfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Black-blotched rainbowfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Black-blotched rainbowfish edible?
The Black-blotched rainbowfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Halichoeres
More from the family Labridae
Want the complete picture on the Black-blotched rainbowfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Black-blotched rainbowfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.