Blackspotted wrasse
📖 Overview
Inhabits subtidal reef flats and outer lagoon and seaward reefs . Usually in areas with mixed sand, rubble, and coral . Feeds mainly on gastropods, other hard-shelled prey , and foraminiferans . Rarely marketed.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 11; Vertebrae: 25. Color in life of young and females whitish to greenish with irregular black spots; males orange-red with greenish yellow spots (edged in blue and black, per scale); head spotted and banded. Anterior lateral line scales with 2-4 pores. Pelvic fins short, not reaching anus.: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Blackspotted wrasse is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range 0 - 60 m , usually 0 - 30 m . Tropical; 24°C - 28°C ; 30°N - 30°S, 94°E - 124°W Indian Ocean to western Pacific and islands of Oceania.
🌿 Ecology
gastropods, other hard-shelled prey (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Blackspotted 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 | 18.3 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 149 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Blackspotted 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Blackspotted wrasse · Eastern Leopard Wrasse · Guinea Fowl Wrasse · guineafowl wrasse · Leopard wrasse · Leopard Wrasse, Blackspotted wrasse · Reticulated wrasse |
| 🌍CES | kněžík leopardí |
| 🇩🇪German | Leoparden-Junker |
| 🌍FIJ | Labe |
| 🇫🇷French | Labre léopard |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | Nodoguro-bera · Nodogurobera · ノドグロベラ |
| 🌍MSA | Bayan · Bayan harimau · Nuri harimau |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Bodião-leopardo-do-leste |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Зеленопятнистый макрофарингодон |
| 🌍SMO | Sugale-puletasi |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Lábrido Leopardo |
| 🌍TAH | po'ou |
| 🌍TGL | Bankilan · Bungat · Isdang bato · Maming |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 娘仔魚 · 朱斑大咽鸚鯛 · 珠斑大咽齒魚 · 珠斑大咽齒鯛 · 珠斑大咽齿鱼 · 珠鸚鯛 · 真珠大咽齒魚 · 石斑龍 · 網紋曲齒鸚鯛 |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Halichoeres nigropunctatus | Seale | 1901 | Synonym |
| Julis meleagris | Valenciennes | 1839 | Synonym |
| Leptojulis pardalis | Kner | 1867 | Synonym |
| Macropharyngodon meliagris | Valenciennes | 1839 | Synonym |
| Macropharyngodon pardalis | Kner | 1867 | Synonym |
| Platyglossus nigromaculatus | Günther | 1872 | Synonym |
| Wetmorella nigropunctata | Seale | 1901 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Blackspotted wrasse.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 15 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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