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🌊 Marine Least Concern 🍽️ Edible 🌡️ Tropical

Laboute's wrasse

Cirrhilabrus laboutei Randall & Lubbock, 1982
Max Length
12 cm
Max Weight
Lifespan
Trophic Level
3.4
Depth
7–55 m
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
18.00/100
Typical Length
Depth Zone
reef

📖 Overview

Laboute's wrasse (Cirrhilabrus laboutei) is a ray-finned fish of the family Labridae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in reef-associated environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 12 cm. It occurs at depths between 7 and 55 metres. With a trophic level of 3.4, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food.

Scientific Name
Cirrhilabrus laboutei
Authority
Randall & Lubbock, 1982
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Tropical
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
12 cm
Depth Range
7–55 m
Trophic Level
3.4
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
18.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8 - 9. Upper head and body of females yellowish brown with three magenta stripes; lower head and body lavender and white; subadult females with red stripes and a small black spot at the upper base of the caudal fin. Males exhibit the same linear pattern but the two magenta stripes are edged in yellow, and the ventral portions of the body is deep lavender-pink.: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Laboute's wrasse is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Laboute's wrasse is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Distinct pairing during breeding .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; reef-associated; depth range 7 - 55 m . Tropical Central Pacific: New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands to the Great Barrier Reef.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine 🪸 Reef Associated
Trophic Level
3.4±0.45

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.01072 × L3.03 (TL)
Max TL
12cm
Dorsal Spines
11
Dorsal Rays
9
Anal Spines
3
Anal Rays
9

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2009

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
18.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.4
Predator
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Randall & Lubbock, 1982

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"Cirrhilabrus Laboutei is an edible species."

✗ Not for Raw
✓ Fresh Indicators
  • 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
✗ Avoid If
  • Cloudy or sunken eyes
  • Strong fishy or ammonia odour
  • Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
  • Discoloured or dry flesh
Best Cooking Methods
Baking Grilling Pan-frying

Nutrition

Per 100g cooked — Source: USDA FoodData Central

Nutrient Amount
Protein 18.2 g
Omega-3 (total) 169 mg

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Laboute's wrasse has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.

🌿 Sustainability

Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact

👥 Community & Contribute

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