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
🥚 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
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Julis pictus | Poey | 1860 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Rainbow wrasse.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 15 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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