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Easter Island razorfish (Novaculops koteamea) — Labridae

Easter Island razorfish

Novaculops koteamea
Family: Labridae

The Easter Island razorfish (Novaculops koteamea) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 26 cm.

Length
25.9 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
50.0–250.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Easter I.

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Description

The Easter Island razorfish is a wrasse (Labridae) from shallow sand and reef water of Easter Island in the Pacific. The species grows to about 15 cm and has an elongate, laterally compressed body with vivid colours and a pointed head with strong teeth. As an active daytime hunter it searches over sand and reef for snails, crustaceans and sea urchins; when threatened it dives into the sand. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Easter Island razorfish?

The Easter Island razorfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly multicoloured.

Where does the Easter Island razorfish live?

The Easter Island razorfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Easter I.

How big does the Easter Island razorfish get?

The Easter Island razorfish grows to a maximum of about 26 cm.

Is the Easter Island razorfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Easter Island 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
Easter Island razorfish sourced
Scientific name
Novaculops koteamea
Family
Labridae
Other names
Red razorfish; Rapanui sandy verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
25.9 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Multicoloured sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
50.0 verified
Max depth (m)
250.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Easter I. sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. 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

More from the family Labridae

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