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Pearly wrasse (Xenojulis margaritaceus) — Labridae

Pearly wrasse

Xenojulis margaritaceus
Family: Labridae

The Pearly wrasse (Xenojulis margaritaceus) is a fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12 cm
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The pearly wrasse is a wrasse (Labridae) from shallow reef water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 12 cm and has an elongate, greenish to brownish body with fine pearly spots and lines. As a bottom-oriented fish it swims over sand and reef bottoms and picks small crustaceans, molluscs and worms; when in danger or at night it dives into the sand. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Pearly wrasse?

The Pearly wrasse is mainly green.

Where does the Pearly wrasse live?

The Pearly wrasse is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Pearly wrasse get?

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

Is the Pearly wrasse dangerous to humans?

No, the Pearly wrasse is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Parelmoer-lipvis sourced
English name
Pearly wrasse sourced
Scientific name
Xenojulis margaritaceus
Family
Labridae

Appearance

Max length (cm)
12 sourced
Dominant colour
Green sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

More from the family Labridae

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