Blackear wrasse
📖 Overview
Maximum depth from Ref. 126840. Commonly found in clear seagrass beds; uncommon on reefs or muddy bays . 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. Small individuals yellowish green with a black spot, edged in light red, behind eye; a small black spot at rear base of dorsal fin. Large adult males are dull green, the centers of the scales with a dull orange red spot; caudal fin with a median longitudinal and upper and lower diagonal converging blue-edged rose bands .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Blackear wrasse is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Blackear wrasse is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Diandric. Forms leks during breeding . Length at sex change = 8.3 cm TL .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 70 m . Tropical; 30°N - 33°S, 98°W - 31°W
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Blackear 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 | 18.6 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 143 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Blackear 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iridio kirschii | Jordan & Evermann | 1898 | Synonym |
| Platyglossus poeyi | Steindachner | 1867 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 22 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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