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Ornate wrasse (Halichoeres ornatissimus) — Labridae

Ornate wrasse

Halichoeres ornatissimus
Family: Labridae

The Ornate wrasse (Halichoeres ornatissimus) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 18 cm.

Length
18 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
4.0–15.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Ornate wrasse is a wrasse (Labridae) from the central and western Pacific. The species grows to about 18 cm. The green body bears rows of red and orange spots and lines. As a bottom-oriented fish it searches sand and reef bottoms for small invertebrates; when threatened or at night it dives into the sand. It changes sex and colour. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Ornate wrasse?

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

Where does the Ornate wrasse live?

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

How big does the Ornate wrasse get?

The Ornate wrasse grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.

Is the Ornate wrasse dangerous to humans?

No, the Ornate wrasse is harmless to humans.

Is the Ornate wrasse edible?

Yes, the Ornate wrasse is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Sier-lipvis sourced
English name
Ornate wrasse sourced
Scientific name
Halichoeres ornatissimus
Family
Labridae
Other names
Ornamented wrasse; Ornate wrasse verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
18.0 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)
4.0 verified
Max depth (m)
15.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless 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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