Ruby longfin fairy wrasse
📖 Overview
Ruby longfin fairy wrasse (Cirrhilabrus rubeus) 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 5.4 cm. With a trophic level of 3.3, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. Commercially fished and consumed as food.
🔬 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 15-17 + 6-8 (+1 over caudal-fin base); median predorsal scales 3-4; cheek with 5 or 6 scales in single row, just below eye; with uniserial row of suborbital pores; gill rakers 13-15. Morphometrics for males in terminal phase: body depth 3.7-3.8 in SL; body width in depth 2.0; head length 3.0-3.4 in SL; first two dorsal-fin spinous membranes are greatly elongated and filamentous, 1.6-3.4 and 1.3-3.0 in SL, respectively; rounded caudal fin with 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, 2.0-2.1 in SL; upper head and body bright red to red-orange, divided from whitish lower head and body by a usually unbroken, bluish to lavender full-length stripe; anterior part of dorsal fin reddish, rear of fin dark basally and yellowish distally (variable extent of yellow on fin), divided mid-way out by a dark-outlined blue stripe breaking into spots (after a variable distance) posteriorly; caudal fin with blue-green sheen and numerous small bluish spots and lines; anal fin is reddish to dark with an often incomplete row of bluish spots near base of fin; pelvic fins are greatly elongated and mostly red on outer portion and mostly black on inner rays, with black streaks typically extending full length, with black fin tips .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Ruby longfin fairy wrasse is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated. Tropical Central Indian Ocean: from Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Cirrhilabrus Rubeus 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 Ruby longfin fairy wrasse is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Ruby 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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