Axil spot wrasse
📖 Overview
Inhabits outer reef flats and upper slopes of coastal reefs to depths over 25 m , with rich coral and hydrozoan growth. Found on sand-rubble fringe, coastal and lagoon reefs at 2-12 m . Usually seen solitary .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 12; Vertebrae: 25. Live females pinkish anteriorly; a black on each scale except those on thorax and most of the abdomen; head light salmon; a small dark spot behind eye; a broad transverse black band at the middle of the pelvic fins. Head of male greenish with irregular light-red bands; no black band between pelvic fins. Anterior lateral line scales with 1-3 pores; 8-13 suborbital pores. Anterior dorsal and anal soft rays longer than posterior rays; pelvic fins of males reaching the anus. Juveniles recognized by the green tail .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Axil spot wrasse is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Distinct pairing during breeding .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 2 - 25 m . Tropical Central Pacific: known only from Indonesia and Philippines.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Axil spot 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) | 147 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Axil spot 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 podostigma | Bleeker | 1854 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Axil spot wrasse.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 2 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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