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Snakeskin wrasse (Eupetrichthys angustipes) — Labridae

Snakeskin wrasse

Eupetrichthys angustipes
Family: Labridae

The Snakeskin wrasse (Eupetrichthys angustipes) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12.4 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–17.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia

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Description

The snakeskin wrasse is a wrasse (Labridae) from coastal waters of southern Australia. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a slender, elongate body with a network-like, snakeskin pattern. As a bottom-oriented fish it swims over sand and weed bottoms near rocky reefs and picks small invertebrates. Like many wrasses it changes sex. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Snakeskin wrasse?

The Snakeskin wrasse has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Snakeskin wrasse live?

The Snakeskin wrasse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Australia

How big does the Snakeskin wrasse get?

The Snakeskin wrasse grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Snakeskin wrasse dangerous to humans?

No, the Snakeskin 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.

More photos

Snakeskin wrasse (Eupetrichthys angustipes) — Labridae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Peter, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Snakeskin wrasse (Eupetrichthys angustipes) — Labridae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Graham McMartin, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Snakeskin wrasse (Eupetrichthys angustipes) — Labridae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Graham McMartin, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Snakeskin wrasse (Eupetrichthys angustipes) — Labridae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Erik Schlögl, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Snakeskin wrasse sourced
Scientific name
Eupetrichthys angustipes
Family
Labridae
Other names
Slender wrasse; Snakeskin wrasse; Slender parrotfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
12.4 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
17.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Australia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. 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

More from the family Labridae

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