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Belted wrasse (Stethojulis balteata) — Labridae

Belted wrasse

Stethojulis balteata
Family: Labridae
LC · Least Concern

The Belted wrasse (Stethojulis balteata) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–22.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The belted wrasse is a wrasse (Labridae) endemic to the Hawaiian Islands in the central Pacific. The species grows to about 15 cm; males have conspicuous blue and orange lengthwise lines on a greenish body, while females are duller. It is benthopelagic and common in shallow water to about 22 m, over sand and algae-covered rocks, where it picks small invertebrates from the bottom quickly and rather indiscriminately. Like many wrasses it is a protogynous hermaphrodite. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Belted wrasse?

The Belted wrasse has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a horizontal stripes pattern.

Where does the Belted wrasse live?

The Belted wrasse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Belted wrasse get?

The Belted wrasse grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Belted wrasse dangerous to humans?

No, the Belted wrasse is harmless to humans.

Is the Belted wrasse edible?

The Belted wrasse is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Gordel-lipvis sourced
English name
Belted wrasse verified
Scientific name
Stethojulis balteata
Family
Labridae
Other names
Belted wrasse; Green wrasse; Orange-bar wrasse verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
15.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Green inferred
Pattern
Horizontal stripes inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Max depth (m)
22.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Protogynous (female first) sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Stethojulis

More from the family Labridae

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