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Clipperton wrasse (Halichoeres discolor) — Labridae

Clipperton wrasse

Halichoeres discolor
Family: Labridae

The Clipperton wrasse (Halichoeres discolor) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
4.0–30.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Cocos I. (C.R.)

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Description

The Clipperton wrasse is a wrasse (Labridae) from shallow reef and sand water of the eastern Pacific, around oceanic islands. The species grows to about 15 cm and has an elongate, two-toned, front paler than rear 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 Clipperton wrasse?

The Clipperton wrasse has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly yellow-gold.

Where does the Clipperton wrasse live?

The Clipperton wrasse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. South America: Cocos I. (C.R.)

How big does the Clipperton wrasse get?

The Clipperton wrasse grows to a maximum of about 15 cm. On average the species is around 10 cm.

Is the Clipperton wrasse dangerous to humans?

No, the Clipperton 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
Clipperton wrasse sourced
Scientific name
Halichoeres discolor
Family
Labridae
Other names
Cocos wrasse sourced

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
15.0 verified
Average length (cm)
10.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
4.0 verified
Max depth (m)
30.0 verified
Natural range
South America: Cocos I. (C.R.) 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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