Fin's Fish Guide
The Painted rainbow wrasse (Suezichthys arquatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 14 cm.
Description
The painted rainbow wrasse is a small wrasse (Labridae) from the southwestern Pacific, around Australia and New Zealand. The species reaches about 13 cm and has a slender, rosy-red body with yellow- and blue-tinged lines and spots. It inhabits sand patches of shallow reefs, but has been recorded to about 100 m deep. The diet consists of small bottom invertebrates. At night the species burrows into the sand to rest. Like many wrasses it is a protogynous hermaphrodite, beginning as a female and later able to change into a male.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Painted rainbow wrasse?
The Painted rainbow wrasse has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly red-orange and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Colourful wrasse of sandy reef flats; buries itself in the sand at night; protogynous hermaphrodite.
Where does the Painted rainbow wrasse live?
The Painted rainbow wrasse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Southwest Pacific, around Australia and New Zealand.
How big does the Painted rainbow wrasse get?
The Painted rainbow wrasse grows to a maximum of about 14 cm. On average the species is around 9 cm.
Is the Painted rainbow wrasse dangerous to humans?
No, the Painted rainbow wrasse is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Painted rainbow wrasse edible?
The Painted rainbow wrasse is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Suezichthys
More from the family Labridae
Want the complete picture on the Painted rainbow wrasse?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Painted rainbow wrasse is one of 12,519 species in the app.