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Bluntheaded razorfish (Xyrichtys mundiceps) — Labridae

Bluntheaded razorfish

Xyrichtys mundiceps
Family: Labridae

The Bluntheaded razorfish (Xyrichtys mundiceps) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
14.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
12.0–15.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Mexico, Panama

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Description

The bluntheaded razorfish is a wrasse (Labridae) from shallow sandy water of the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a strongly laterally compressed, deep body with a blunt, almost vertical head, so it cuts through the water like a knife. When threatened it dives head-first into the sand in a flash. As a bottom-oriented fish it 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 Bluntheaded razorfish?

The Bluntheaded razorfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Bluntheaded razorfish live?

The Bluntheaded razorfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Mexico, Panama

How big does the Bluntheaded razorfish get?

The Bluntheaded razorfish grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Bluntheaded razorfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Bluntheaded razorfish 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
Bluntheaded razorfish sourced
Scientific name
Xyrichtys mundiceps
Family
Labridae
Other names
Cape razorfish sourced

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
14.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
12.0 verified
Max depth (m)
15.0 verified
Natural range
North America: Mexico, Panama 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 Xyrichtys

More from the family Labridae

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