Rainbow wrasse
📖 Overview
Inhabits coral reefs, normally high above the bottom. Swims with worm-like movements. Feeds on various invertebrates. A protogynous hermaphrodite . Generally of no interest to fisheries because of its small average size .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 12. The common color phase is white or yellow with two yellowish brown stripes, one along back next to base of dorsal fin and one on upper side which extends through eye to end of snout. Large adult males are blue-green to yellowish green on the upper half of body and pale blue on lower half; blue stripes on head; a large black spot at caudal base .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Rainbow wrasse is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Rainbow wrasse is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Diandric. Forms leks during breeding . Length at sex change = 7.9 cm TL .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 5 - 25 m . Tropical; 32°N - 9°N, 98°W - 59°W South America.
🌿 Ecology
various invertebrates
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Rainbow 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) | 159 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Rainbow wrasse has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Julis pictus | Poey | 1860 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 15 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet — be the first to log one!
View all observations for Rainbow wrasse ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.