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Shadow razorfish (Iniistius umbrilatus) — Labridae

Shadow razorfish

Iniistius umbrilatus
Family: Labridae

The Shadow razorfish (Iniistius umbrilatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 18 cm.

Length
17.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
6.0–76.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Hawaii
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The shadow razorfish is a wrasse (Labridae) from shallow sand and reef water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a deep, extremely laterally compressed, blade-like body with a steep, sharp head and pale colours with a dark flank shadow. With it the fish slips into the sand like a knife to escape predators or to rest. As a bottom-oriented fish it crushes small molluscs and crustaceans. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Shadow razorfish?

The Shadow razorfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Shadow razorfish live?

The Shadow razorfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Hawaii

How big does the Shadow razorfish get?

The Shadow razorfish grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.

Is the Shadow razorfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Shadow razorfish 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 Shadow razorfish edible?

Yes, the Shadow razorfish is commonly eaten.

More photos

Shadow razorfish (Iniistius umbrilatus) — Labridae — 2
© President and Fellows of Harvard College (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — MCZ
Shadow razorfish (Iniistius umbrilatus) — Labridae — 3
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Shadow razorfish (Iniistius umbrilatus) — Labridae — 4
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Shadow razorfish (Iniistius umbrilatus) — Labridae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Karolle Wall, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
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All data

Identification

English name
Shadow razorfish sourced
Scientific name
Iniistius umbrilatus
Family
Labridae
Other names
Razor wrasse fish; Blackside razorfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
17.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
6.0 verified
Max depth (m)
76.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Hawaii sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Iniistius

More from the family Labridae

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