African longfin fairy wrasse
📖 Overview
African longfin fairy wrasse (Cirrhilabrus africanus), first described by Victor, 2016 is a small fish in the family Labridae (order Perciformes). Adults typically reach 6.50 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 18 to 50 metres. It occurs in Tropical waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. The species is important as a food fish. As a member of the Labridae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9. This species is distinguished by the following characters: D XI,9; A III,9; pectoral-fin rays 15; pored lateral-line scales 15-18 + 6-7 (+1 over caudal-fin base); median predorsal scales 3-4; cheek with 5-7 scales in single row below the eye; uniserial row of suborbital pores; gill rakers 14-16. Morphometrics for terminal males: body depth 3.2-3.8 in SL; body width in depth 1.8-1.9; head length 3.0-3.1 in SL; the first 2 dorsal-fin spinous membranes moderately elongated and filamentous, 3.7-4.3 and 5.4-7.7 in SL, respectively; rounded caudal fin without extended upper and lower tips, 1.1-1.3 in HL; pelvic fins greatly elongated and broadly fan-like, reaching posteriorly to about middle of anal fin, 2.1-2.3 in SL; upper head and body reddish orange, lower head and body yellow to white, about three rows of small, well-spaced, bluish-to-lavender or reddish spots (not a stripe) across upper body; dorsal fin mostly dark to dusky red, divided mid-way out by a row of separated rounded spots (after first two membranes); caudal fin mostly dark with coppery-to-greenish sheen and numerous small pale spots and lines; the anal fin is mostly dark to dusky reddish; pelvic fins are greatly elongated and mostly dark to dusky reddish. .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for African longfin fairy wrasse is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 18 - 50 m . Tropical South Africa and Mozambique.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Cirrhilabrus Africanus is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for African longfin fairy wrasse is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for African longfin fairy wrasse has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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