Fin's Fish Guide
The Blackspot wrasse (Decodon melasma) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 32 cm.
Description
The blackspot wrasse is a wrasse (Labridae) from the eastern Pacific. The species has an elongate, reddish body with a conspicuous dark blotch on the flank. It lives over sand bottoms with gravel and isolated reef outcrops and is often caught in the open sea as by-catch. With its strong jaw teeth it picks small invertebrates such as molluscs and crustaceans from the bottom. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blackspot wrasse?
The Blackspot wrasse has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern. Striking dark flank blotch; wrasse of sandy bottoms with isolated reef outcrops.
Where does the Blackspot wrasse live?
The Blackspot wrasse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Eastern Pacific; sandy bottoms with gravel and isolated reef blocks.
How big does the Blackspot wrasse get?
The Blackspot wrasse grows to a maximum of about 32 cm. On average the species is around 16 cm.
Is the Blackspot wrasse dangerous to humans?
No, the Blackspot wrasse is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Blackspot wrasse edible?
The Blackspot wrasse is rarely eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Blackspot wrasse?
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Decodon
More from the family Labridae
Want the complete picture on the Blackspot wrasse?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blackspot wrasse is one of 12,519 species in the app.