Red-lipped cleaner wrasse
📖 Overview
Inhabits lagoon and seaward reefs up to a depth of at least 32 m . Feeds on small small parasites and damaged tissues of other fish ; client fish Pycnochromis margaritifer .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 10; Vertebrae: 25. This species is distinguished by the following characters: D IX,11; A III,10; pectoral-fin rays 13-14; upper procurrent caudal-fin rays 6-7, lower 7; principal caudal-fin rays 8 + 7; circumpeduncular scales 18-20; body depth 3.7-4.1 in SL; head length 2.9-3.4 in SL; snout length 2.8-3.7 in HL; orbit diameter 3.6-5.4 in HL; orbit diameter 1.3-1.9 in snout length; caudal-peduncle length 2.0-3.8 in HL; pored lateral-line scales 24-28; scale rows above lateral line 3, below lateral line 9-10; total gill rakers 12-13. Colouration: head and anterior body pale chartreuse, with lower head sometimes with narrow dusky streak from corner of mouth to lower edge of opercle, sometimes extending to pectoral-fin base; median lateral black stripe is distinct only to about anterior half of body, attenuating and becoming increasingly indistinct or absent towards middle and posterior body; middle portion of body to caudal peduncle (where median lateral stripe has been attenuated) is suffused with bright tangerine orange; caudal fin black with upper and lowermost edge of caudal fin pale blue to lilac .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Red-lipped cleaner wrasse is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 32 m . Tropical central and southeastern Pacific Ocean.
🌿 Ecology
small small parasites and damaged tissues of other fish (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Labroides Rubrolabiatus 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 | 18.4 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 172 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Red-lipped cleaner 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Red-lipped cleaner wrasse.
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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