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Argus wrasse (Halichoeres argus) — Labridae

Argus wrasse

Halichoeres argus
Family: Labridae
LC · Least Concern

The Argus wrasse (Halichoeres argus) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–15.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The argus wrasse is a small wrasse (Labridae) from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a greenish to brown body with fine lines and spots on the head and an eyespot on the dorsal fin. It usually occurs in groups on shallow coastal reefs and seagrass flats, also in areas of algae, rocks and lagoons. On the bottom it forages on small invertebrates. Like many wrasses it is a protogynous hermaphrodite, in which females can change into males. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Argus wrasse?

The Argus wrasse has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Argus wrasse live?

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

How big does the Argus wrasse get?

The Argus wrasse grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Argus wrasse dangerous to humans?

No, the Argus wrasse is harmless to humans.

Is the Argus wrasse edible?

The Argus wrasse is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Argus-lipvis sourced
English name
Argus wrasse verified
Scientific name
Halichoeres argus
Family
Labridae
Other names
Argus wrasse; Peacock wrasse verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
12.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Green inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
15.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

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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