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Chinese wrasse (Halichoeres tenuispinis) — Labridae

Chinese wrasse

Halichoeres tenuispinis
Family: Labridae

The Chinese wrasse (Halichoeres tenuispinis) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 14 cm.

Length
13.6 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–4.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Hong Kong

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Description

The Chinese wrasse is a wrasse (Labridae) from shallow reef and sand water of the northwest Pacific, off East Asia. The species grows to about 15 cm and has an elongate, greenish with pink and blue stripe markings body that changes colour greatly with age and sex. As a bottom-oriented fish it swims by day over sand and reef bottoms and picks small crustaceans, molluscs and worms; at night it dives into the sand. Like many wrasses a female can change sex. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Chinese wrasse?

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

Where does the Chinese wrasse live?

The Chinese wrasse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Hong Kong

How big does the Chinese wrasse get?

The Chinese wrasse grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.

Is the Chinese wrasse dangerous to humans?

No, the Chinese 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
Chinese wrasse sourced
Scientific name
Halichoeres tenuispinis
Family
Labridae
Other names
Wrasse verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
13.6 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)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
4.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Hong Kong 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 Halichoeres

More from the family Labridae

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