Circle-cheek wrasse
📖 Overview
Circle-cheek wrasse (Halichoeres miniatus) 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 14 cm. It occurs at depths between 1 and 10 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.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 11. Males are distinguished by the ringed cheek pattern. Females have pink bellies with fine white lines along scales across .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Circle-cheek wrasse is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Distinct pairing during breeding .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 10 m . Tropical
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Circle-cheek wrasse 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
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.5 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 142 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Circle-cheek 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)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Cheek-ring wrasse · Circle-cheek wrasse · Spotted-Finned Rainbowfish · Spotted-finned Rainbow-fish |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | Hohowa-kyûsen · Hohowakyusen · ホホワキュウセン |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Bodião-de-bochecha-circular |
| 🌍TGL | Mameng |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 小儒艮鯛 · 小海豬魚 · 柳冷仔 · 臀點海豬魚 |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Halichoeres annulatus | Fowler | 1904 | Synonym |
| Julis miniatus | Valenciennes | 1839 | Synonym |
| Pseudojulis murrayensis | De Vis | 1885 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Circle-cheek wrasse.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 13 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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