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Blackmargin maori wrasse (Oxycheilinus nigromarginatus) — Labridae

Blackmargin maori wrasse

Oxycheilinus nigromarginatus
Family: Labridae

The Blackmargin maori wrasse (Oxycheilinus nigromarginatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 11 cm.

Length
11.3 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
10.0–27.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia, New Caledonia, Tonga

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Description

The Blackmargin maori wrasse is a wrasse (Labridae) from reef water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 18 cm and has an elongate, red-green with dark fin margins body that changes colour with age and sex. As a bottom-oriented fish it swims by day over coral and rocky reefs and picks small crustaceans, molluscs and worms. Like many wrasses a female can change sex. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blackmargin maori wrasse?

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

Where does the Blackmargin maori wrasse live?

The Blackmargin maori wrasse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: Australia, New Caledonia, Tonga

How big does the Blackmargin maori wrasse get?

The Blackmargin maori wrasse grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.

Is the Blackmargin maori wrasse dangerous to humans?

No, the Blackmargin maori 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Blackmargin maori wrasse sourced
Scientific name
Oxycheilinus nigromarginatus
Family
Labridae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
11.3 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)
10.0 verified
Max depth (m)
27.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Australia, New Caledonia, Tonga 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

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

More from the family Labridae

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