Fin's Fish Guide
The Mangrove wrasse (Halichoeres aestuaricola) is a brackish-water fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 22 cm.
Description
The mangrove wrasse is a wrasse from the eastern Pacific, off the coast of Central and South America. The species grows to about 22 cm and has an oblong, greenish to brownish body with fine lines. Unlike many wrasses it lives in coastal and estuarine water, often in mangroves and turbid lagoons, and searches over sand and mud bottoms for small crustaceans, molluscs and worms. Like many wrasses it is a protogynous hermaphrodite. The fish is harmless to humans. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Mangrove wrasse?
The Mangrove wrasse has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Mangrove and lagoon inhabitant; protogynous hermaphrodite
Where does the Mangrove wrasse live?
The Mangrove wrasse lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific
How big does the Mangrove wrasse get?
The Mangrove wrasse grows to a maximum of about 22 cm.
Is the Mangrove wrasse dangerous to humans?
No, the Mangrove 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.
Is the Mangrove wrasse edible?
The Mangrove wrasse is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Halichoeres
More from the family Labridae
Want the complete picture on the Mangrove wrasse?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Mangrove wrasse is one of 12,519 species in the app.