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Social wrasse (Halichoeres socialis) — Labridae

Social wrasse

Halichoeres socialis
Family: Labridae
EN · Endangered

The Social wrasse (Halichoeres socialis) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
4.7 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–7.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Social wrasse is a wrasse (Labridae) from the mangrove cays of Belize, where it is endemic. The species grows to about 4 cm. Unlike most wrasses it lives in groups in sheltered mangrove water; due to its very restricted range the species is endangered. 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 Social wrasse?

The Social wrasse has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly white.

Where does the Social wrasse live?

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

How big does the Social wrasse get?

The Social wrasse grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Social wrasse dangerous to humans?

No, the Social wrasse is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Sociale lipvis sourced
English name
Social wrasse sourced
Scientific name
Halichoeres socialis
Family
Labridae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.7 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
White sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
7.0 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

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. 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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