Australian keel-head wrasse
📖 Overview
Australian keel-head wrasse (Iniistius jacksonensis) is a ray-finned fish of the family Labridae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 18.9 cm. With a trophic level of 3.5, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. 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. This species is distinguished by the following: D IX,12, with the first two dorsal-fin spines short, their length similar to those of other spines of dorsal fin, and eleventh dorsal-fin soft ray longest with depressed tip of last dorsal-fin soft ray reaching vertical through caudal-fin base; A III,12; pectoral-fin rays 12; lateral line interrupted, pored lateral-line scales 19-21 + 5–6; scale rows below lateral line 10 (rarely 9); small scale below eye; vertical small scale rows on cheek 7 and each row narrowly separated from adjacent rows; central gill raker of upper limb of first gill arch with 2 branches; central gill raker of lower limb of first gill arch with single branch; body depth 33.6-41.5% of SL; head length 29.6-32.1% of SL; pre-pectoral-fin length 26.5-29.9% of SL; orbit diameter 5.0-6.8 % of SL; head without blotches and small milky-white blotches on anal-fin base and caudal peduncle .: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Australian keel-head wrasse is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Australian keel-head wrasse is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Distinct pairing during breeding .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 2 - ? m . Tropical
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Iniistius Jacksonensis 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 Australian keel-head wrasse is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Australian keel-head wrasse has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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