Xyrichtys novacula (Linnaeus, 1758)

Pearly razorfish

Catalog of Fishes (gen., sp.) | ITIS | CoL

Classification	Actinopterygii \| Perciformes \| Labridae \| Cheilininae
Synonyms	Coryphaena novacula, Hemipteronotus novacula, Novacula novacula, ... more
Common names	Donzelle lame, Rao, Rason, ... more

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Xyrichtys novacula

Picture by Randall, J.E.

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This map was computer-generated and has not yet been reviewed.

AquaMaps Data sources: GBIF OBIS

Main reference

Gomon, M.F. and P. Forsyth. 1990. (Ref. 5292)
Other references | Biblio | Coordinator : Westneat, Mark | Collaborators

Size / Weight / Age

Max length : 38.0 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 7251); common length : 20.0 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 2683); max. reported age: 8 years (Ref. 4742)

Environment

Reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 90 m (Ref. 3726)

Climate / Range

Subtropical

Western Atlantic: North Carolina, USA and northern Gulf of Mexico (Ref. 7251) through the Caribbean to Brazil. Eastern Atlantic: southern coast of Spain to south of Cape Lopez, Gabon and including the Mediterranean, Azores, Madeira, Canary Islands, Cape Verde and Sao Tome Island.
Countries | FAO areas | Ecosystems | Occurrences | Introductions

Short description

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12 - 12; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 12. An elongate, very compressed fish with front of head forming a sharp edge. Snout very blunt; profile steep. Pale greenish, usually with no conspicuous markings on body (Ref. 26938). Head with alternating vertical lines of light blue and light yellow-orange (Ref. 13442).

Inhabits clear shallow areas with sandy bottoms, usually in the vicinity of seagrass beds and corals (Ref. 2683). Feeds mainly on mollusks; also crabs and shrimps (Ref. 3726). A protogynous hermaphrodite; sexual dimorphism apparent in head shape and length of pelvic fin (Ref. 5292). Builds nests with coral debris. Dives head first into the sand when frightened (Ref. 9710). Marketed fresh (Ref. 3726).


IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 84930)	Threat to humans
Not Evaluated	Harmless

Human uses
Fisheries: minor commercial; gamefish: yes; aquarium: commercial


More information
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