Opaline razorfish
📖 Overview
Opaline razorfish (Iniistius opalus) 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 16.1 cm. It occurs at depths between 15 and 64 metres. With a trophic level of 3.5, 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: 11 - 13. This species can be distinguished from other congeners in having a broad band of small scale rows on the cheek; with a single small scale below the eye; the first two dorsal-fin spines are short, their length similar to those of other spines of dorsal fin; central gill-raker of lower limb of first gill arch with a single branch; greate body depth 33.5-39.2% SL; several small blotches on the anal-fin base; scale rows below lateral line 10; first upper limb of gill arch with four branches on central gill-raker; head length 32.9-36.0% (mean 34.3%); pre-pectoral-fin length 29.8-32.5% (31.2%); orbit diameter 6.1-7.3% (6.8%); postorbital length 14.9-18.4% (16.8%); small blotches on head .: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Opaline razorfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 15 - 64 m . Subtropical West Pacific: northern Australia.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Iniistius Opalus 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 Opaline razorfish is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Opaline razorfish 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)
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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