Iniistius Brevipinnis
📖 Overview
Iniistius Brevipinnis (Iniistius brevipinnis) 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 14.3 cm. With a trophic level of 3.4, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. Commercially fished and consumed as food.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 12; Vertebrae: 25. This species is distinguished by the following characters: D IX,12; A III,12; pectoral rays 12; interrupted lateral line, 21 + 5 pored scales; cheek naked except for 3 rows of small scales below eye, first row of 7 scales curves to behind lower fourth of eye, second one straight with 6 scales, and the third row, 3 embedded scales; 2 small scales dorsoanteriorly on opercle, 1 embedded; scales absent basally on dorsal and anal fins; 17 gill rakers; body depth 3.3 in SL; body compressed, the width 2.6 in body depth; dentition generic; origin of dorsal fin above posterior edge of orbit; first 2 dorsal spines slender, flexible. the first spine slightly longer, 3.0 in head length (HL); third dorsal spine 4.8 in HL; space between first two dorsal spines 2.3 in space between second and third dorsal spines; membrane deeply notched between second and third spines; slightly rounded caudal fin is very short, 1.8 in HL; pelvic fins short, not approaching anus, 1.7 in HL; when fresh, greenish gray, scales below lateral line with a vertically elliptical violet spot, except for a broad bright red area above anal fin and ventral half of caudal peduncle; scales above lateral line with green edges and a faint red spot; anterior edge of head and nape blue; 2 vertical parallel violet lines from chin across lips and fading half distance to eye; median fins blue with yellow markings; pectoral fins translucent, except for black edges on upper three rays, the base violet, with two broad lavender-pink arcs around base; pelvic fins blue; iris yellow with a broad lavender-pink ring. Iniistius griffithsi differs from I. brevipinnis in having a more evenly convex dorsal profile of the head, a shorter suborbital, larger mouth, and its fifth and sixth dorsal and anal rays are the longest, 2.5-2.6 in HL (vs. penultimate rays longest, 3.0 in HL in I. brevipinnis) .: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Iniistius Brevipinnis is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Iniistius Brevipinnis is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Distinct pairing during breeding .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range ? - 42 m . Tropical South Africa, Eastern Cape, off Port Edward (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Iniistius Brevipinnis 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
Detailed nutritional data for Iniistius Brevipinnis is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Iniistius Brevipinnis has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Iniistius Brevipinnis ↗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.