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Torotai wrasse (Pseudolabrus torotai) — Labridae

Torotai wrasse

Pseudolabrus torotai
Family: Labridae

The Torotai wrasse (Pseudolabrus torotai) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 16 cm.

Length
15.8 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
15.0–24.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: French Polynesia

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Description

The Torotai wrasse is a wrasse (Labridae) from shallow coral-reef and rocky water of the southwestern Pacific. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a slender, elongate, brightly coloured body with a pointed head. As an active daytime hunter it swims just above the reef and snaps at small crustaceans, snails and worms. It often starts as a female and can later change into a male. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Torotai wrasse?

The Torotai wrasse has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly multicoloured.

Where does the Torotai wrasse live?

The Torotai wrasse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: French Polynesia

How big does the Torotai wrasse get?

The Torotai wrasse grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.

Is the Torotai wrasse dangerous to humans?

No, the Torotai 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Torotai wrasse sourced
Scientific name
Pseudolabrus torotai
Family
Labridae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
15.8 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Multicoloured sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
15.0 verified
Max depth (m)
24.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: French Polynesia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal sourced
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
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. 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 Pseudolabrus

More from the family Labridae

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