Fin's Fish Guide
The Cleaver wrasse (Xyrichtys novacula) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 38 cm.
Western Atlantic from North Carolina to Brazil; eastern Atlantic from France to Angola, including the Mediterranean Sea, the Azores, Madeira and the Canary Islands.
Description
The pearly razorfish is a wrasse of the family Labridae reaching about 38 cm. The strongly compressed body ends in a very blunt, knife-like head with a sharp leading edge. The colour is pale green, with alternating light-blue and yellow-orange lines on the head. When threatened the fish dives head-first into the sand. The species is a protogynous hermaphrodite: individuals begin as females and may later become males, differing in head shape and pelvic fin length. The pearly razorfish lives over clear, sandy bottoms near seagrass and coral in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, feeding on molluscs, crabs and shrimps, and is a regular food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cleaver wrasse?
The Cleaver wrasse has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly green and shows a plain pattern. Strongly compressed body with a very blunt, knife-shaped head; dives head first into the sand when in danger. Wrasse with a colour difference between the head and the body.
Where does the Cleaver wrasse live?
The Cleaver wrasse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic from North Carolina to Brazil; eastern Atlantic from France to Angola, including the Mediterranean Sea, the Azores, Madeira and the Canary Islands.
How big does the Cleaver wrasse get?
The Cleaver wrasse grows to a maximum of about 38 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Cleaver wrasse dangerous to humans?
No, the Cleaver wrasse is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Cleaver wrasse edible?
Yes, the Cleaver wrasse is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Cleaver wrasse and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Xyrichtys
More from the family Labridae
Want the complete picture on the Cleaver wrasse?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cleaver wrasse is one of 12,519 species in the app.