Finspot wrasse (Xenojulis margaritaceus)

Scientific name: Xenojulis margaritaceus Macleay, 1883

The Finspot wrasse (Xenojulis margaritaceus) is a marine fish of the family Labridae. In the aquarium it needs water at 24–28°C (75–82°F). Native range: Western Pacific, Philippines, New Guinea and Western Australia.

Finspot wrasse care at a glance

Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 11; Vertebrae: 25. Ground color of male body burgundy, becoming paler ventrally; head irregularly striped with green and burgundy; iris yellow. Preserved females pale with 5 irregular, dusky bars on side of body; pelvic fins with 2 black spots. Fin spines pungent. Posterior preopercular margin free dorsally to about level of mouth, ventral margin free anteriorly nearly to a vertical at front edge of orbit. Long pelvic fins: reaching or nearly reaching anus in females; extending posterior to anal fin origin in males.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Xenojulis margaritaceus
Family: Labridae (Wrasses)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 10.0
Environment: Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - ? m, usually 2 - 10 m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Western Pacific: Philippines, New Guinea and Western Australia.
Conservation status (IUCN): Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Aquarium: commercial
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)