New 🐟 2024 Mercury Safety Guide Now Available. Omega-3 Rankings Updated. View Omega-3 Rankings →

🌊 Marine Least Concern 🌡️ Tropical

Chiseltooth wrasse

Pseudodax moluccanus Valenciennes, 1840
Max Length
30 cm
Max Weight
Lifespan
Trophic Level
2.8
Depth
3–60 m
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
33.00/100
Typical Length
Depth Zone
reef

📖 Overview

Inhabits clear channels and seaward reefs . Juveniles are commonly found along drop-offs below 18 m . Adults usually found near caves while juveniles frequently live inside them. Adults are solitary and feed on algae and small invertebrates. Juveniles have been observed 'cleaning' other fishes. Because of its dentition, it is regarded as a close relative to the parrotfishes (Scaridae), although it behaves like the species of Anampses.

Scientific Name
Pseudodax moluccanus
Authority
Valenciennes, 1840
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Tropical
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
30 cm
Depth Range
3–60 m
Latitude
24°S – 32°N
Trophic Level
2.8
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
33.00/100
Water Temp
24–28 °C
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 14. : fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Chiseltooth wrasse is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Chiseltooth wrasse is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous

Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; reef-associated; depth range 3 - 60 m , usually 4 - 40 m . Tropical; 24°C - 28°C ; 32°N - 24°S South Africa (Ref.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine 🪸 Reef Associated
Trophic Level
2.8±0.26
🧍 Solitary
Food Items

algae and small invertebrates

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00955 × L3.1 (TL)
Max TL
30cm
Dorsal Spines
11
Dorsal Rays
12
Anal Spines
3
Anal Rays
14

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Temperature Range
24–28°C
Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2009

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
33.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
2.8
Omnivore / Planktivore
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
Climate Zone
Tropical
Latitude Range
32°N – 24°S
Described By
Valenciennes, 1840

🌐 Names & Taxonomy

Scientific Synonyms

Scientific Name Author Year Status
Odax borbonicus Valenciennes 1840 Synonym
Odax moluccanus Valenciennes 1840 Synonym
Odax varius Valenciennes 1840 Synonym
Pseudodax moluccans Valenciennes 1840 Synonym

🗺️ Global Occurrence Map

Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 2 records indexed .

Occurrence density from GBIF View GBIF records ↗

👥 Community & Contribute

Aquareap Community Observations
0 Observations logged on Aquareap

No observations yet — be the first to log one!

View all observations for Chiseltooth wrasse ↗
Suggest an Edit

Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.

Link to a scientific paper, FishBase, or other authoritative source
Report an Issue

Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.