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Social wrasse (Halichoeres socialis) — Labridae

Social wrasse

Halichoeres socialis
Family: Labridae
EN · Endangered

The Social wrasse (Halichoeres socialis) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
4.7 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–7.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Belize, Honduras

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Description

The Social wrasse is a wrasse (Labridae) from the mangrove cays of Belize, where it is endemic. The species grows to about 4 cm. Unlike most wrasses it lives in groups in sheltered mangrove water; due to its very restricted range the species is endangered. As a bottom-oriented fish it searches sand and reef bottoms for small invertebrates; when threatened or at night it dives into the sand. It changes sex and colour. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Social wrasse?

The Social wrasse has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly white.

Where does the Social wrasse live?

The Social wrasse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. North America: Belize, Honduras

How big does the Social wrasse get?

The Social wrasse grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Social wrasse dangerous to humans?

No, the Social 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

Social wrasse (Halichoeres socialis) — Labridae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Scott Jones, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Social wrasse (Halichoeres socialis) — Labridae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Scott Jones, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Social wrasse (Halichoeres socialis) — Labridae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Scott Jones, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Social wrasse (Halichoeres socialis) — Labridae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Cos, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA))
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All data

Identification

English name
Social wrasse sourced
Scientific name
Halichoeres socialis
Family
Labridae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.7 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
White sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
7.0 verified
Natural range
North America: Belize, Honduras 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

Same genus Halichoeres

More from the family Labridae

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