Blackmargin maori wrasse (Oxycheilinus nigromarginatus) 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 11.3 cm. It occurs at depths between 10 and 27 metres. With a trophic level of 3.7, it is a mid-level predator. It is assessed as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List.
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8; Vertebrae: 23. This species is distinguished by the following characters: Dorsal rays IX, 10; anal rays III, 8; pectoral rays 13; lateral-line interrupted, with pored scales to caudal-fin base 15 + 6; gill rakers 5-6 + 8-9; body moderately elongate, depth 3.1-3.55 in SL; head length 2.45-2.55 in SL; snout long and pointed, 2.6-2.8 in head; dorsal profile of snout straight or with a slight concavity of snout to above eye; lower jaw is slightly projecting; maxilla reaching or nearly reaching a vertical at anterior margin of orbit; caudal fin of females slightly rounded, the upper 3 principal rays slightly prolonged; fin of males rhomboid with the upper 3 rays more strongly projecting; pectoral fins 2.6-2.95 in head; body and fins pale yellowish when preserved, with a blackish posterior margin on caudal fin, broader and black in male; first interspinous membrane of dorsal fin dusky; red in life on about upper half of body with 5 irregular pale bars, pale red on lower half with 3 pale stripes containing small white spots; posterior edge of caudal fin blackish to black .: fusiform / normal.
Behavioural data for Blackmargin maori wrasse is currently being reviewed.
Diet information for Blackmargin maori wrasse is currently being compiled.
Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding .
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 10 - 27 m . Subtropical Southwest Pacific: from New South Wales, Chesterfield Bank in the Coral Sea, New Caledonia and Tonga.
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Blackmargin maori wrasse |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Bodião-do-Mar-de-Coral |
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .
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