Fin's Fish Guide
The Shoulder-spot wrasse (Leptojulis cyanopleura) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 13 cm.
Description
The shoulder-spot wrasse is a small wrasse from the Indo-West Pacific, from the Gulf of Oman to the Philippines and Australia. The species grows to about 13 cm and has a brown to dusky longitudinal stripe; males bear a shiny blue spot in a dark band behind the pectoral fin. It forms groups, mostly females, above clear coastal slopes and outer reef lagoons and catches zooplankton well above the bottom. Like other wrasses it is a protogynous hermaphrodite. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Shoulder-spot wrasse?
The Shoulder-spot wrasse has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Males with a blue shoulder blotch; plankton eater above the bottom; protogynous hermaphrodite
Where does the Shoulder-spot wrasse live?
The Shoulder-spot wrasse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Shoulder-spot wrasse get?
The Shoulder-spot wrasse grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.
Is the Shoulder-spot wrasse dangerous to humans?
No, the Shoulder-spot 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 Shoulder-spot wrasse edible?
The Shoulder-spot wrasse is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Leptojulis
More from the family Labridae
Want the complete picture on the Shoulder-spot wrasse?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Shoulder-spot wrasse is one of 12,519 species in the app.