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Foxfish (Bodianus frenchii) — Labridae

Foxfish

Bodianus frenchii
Family: Labridae

The Foxfish (Bodianus frenchii) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 45 cm.

Length
45 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
10.0–40.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Foxfish is a wrasse (Labridae) from coastal waters of southern Australia. The species grows to about 45 cm and has an elongate body with projecting canine teeth. Juveniles are orange-red with yellow blotches; adults are darker red-brown. The species can become very old. As a bottom-oriented hunter it searches coral and rocky reefs for molluscs, crustaceans and sea urchins, which it crushes with its strong teeth. Like many wrasses it changes sex. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Foxfish?

The Foxfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly red-orange.

Where does the Foxfish live?

The Foxfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Foxfish get?

The Foxfish grows to a maximum of about 45 cm.

Is the Foxfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Foxfish is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Vossen-lipvis sourced
English name
Foxfish sourced
Scientific name
Bodianus frenchii
Family
Labridae
Other names
Foxfish; Western foxfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
45.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange 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)
40.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Protogynous (female first) sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Bodianus

More from the family Labridae

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