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Blackspot pigmy wrasse (Wetmorella nigropinnata) — Labridae

Blackspot pigmy wrasse

Wetmorella nigropinnata
Family: Labridae
LC · Least Concern

The Blackspot pigmy wrasse (Wetmorella nigropinnata) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–36.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The blackspot pygmy wrasse is a small, shy wrasse (Labridae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species reaches only about 8 cm and has a red-brown body with dark, eye-spot-like markings on the dorsal and anal fins that may mislead predators. It inhabits lagoon and seaward reefs, where it lives hidden in caves and crevices and seldom swims in the open. The diet consists of small bottom invertebrates. Owing to its retiring habits the species is little noticed and has no fishery value.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blackspot pigmy wrasse?

The Blackspot pigmy wrasse has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Blackspot pigmy wrasse live?

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

How big does the Blackspot pigmy wrasse get?

The Blackspot pigmy wrasse grows to a maximum of about 8 cm. On average the species is around 6 cm.

Is the Blackspot pigmy wrasse dangerous to humans?

No, the Blackspot pigmy wrasse is harmless to humans.

Is the Blackspot pigmy wrasse edible?

The Blackspot pigmy wrasse is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zwartstip-dwerglipvis sourced
English name
Blackspot pigmy wrasse verified
Scientific name
Wetmorella nigropinnata
Family
Labridae
Other names
Black-spot pigmy wrasse; Possum wrasse; Pygmy possum wrasse; Sharpnose wrasse verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.0 verified
Average length (cm)
6.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded 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
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
36.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes 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

More from the family Labridae

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