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🌊 Marine Least Concern 🍽️ Edible 🌡️ Tropical

aquarium

Halichoeres iridis Randall & Smith, 1982
Max Length
11.5 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.4
Depth
6–43 m
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
16.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
reef

📖 Overview

aquarium (Halichoeres iridis) 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 11.5 cm. It occurs at depths between 6 and 43 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
Halichoeres iridis
Authority
Randall & Smith, 1982
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Tropical
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
11.5 cm
Depth Range
6–43 m
Trophic Level
3.4
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
16.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12 - 13; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 12. Head orange-yellow with greenish bands and a black spot behind eye; body brown, females with a red band on back .: fusiform / normal.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for aquarium is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for aquarium is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Distinct pairing during breeding .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; reef-associated; depth range 6 - 43 m , usually 20 - ? m . Tropical East African coast south to Natal, South Africa; also from Madagascar, Seychelles and Chagos Archipelago.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine 🪸 Reef Associated
Trophic Level
3.4±0.5

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00977 × L3.08 (TL)
Max TL
11.5cm
Dorsal Spines
9
Dorsal Rays
13
Anal Spines
3
Anal Rays
12

🌡️ 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
16.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.4
Predator
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Randall & Smith, 1982

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"Halichoeres Iridis 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 18.4 g
Omega-3 (total) 170 mg

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for aquarium 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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