Whitebarred rubberlip
📖 Overview
Whitebarred rubberlip (Plectorhinchus playfairi) is a ray-finned fish of the family Haemulidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in reef-associated environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 90 cm. It occurs at depths between 0 and 80 metres. With a trophic level of 3.4, 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, valued as a sport fish.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 19 - 20; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 7. Black with white crossbars, fading to grey with 4 white bars; lips, skin around mouth and pectorals pink in color .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Whitebarred rubberlip is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 80 m . Tropical South Africa and Madagascar (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Plectorhinchus Playfairi 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 Whitebarred rubberlip is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Whitebarred rubberlip 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
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diagramma griseum playfairi | Pellegrin | 1914 | Synonym |
| Gaterin batata | Smith | 1952 | Synonym |
| Gaterin playfairi | Pellegrin | 1914 | Synonym |
| Plectorhynchus batata | Smith | 1952 | Synonym |
| Plectorhynchus playfairi | Pellegrin | 1914 | Synonym |
| Plectorinchus playfairi | Pellegrin | 1914 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 3 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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