The rockmover wrasse

rockmover wrasse

Scientific name	Novaculichthys taeniourus
Descriptor	Lacepède
Year of description	1801
IUCN category (World)	LC
Family	Labridae
Genus	Novaculichthys

Introduction

Novaculichthys taeniourus, commonly known as rockmover wrasse, is a salt water fish.

This sheet is currently being prepared. The texts currently proposed come from our data model or are being drafted. To request priority for this content, you can write to us HERE.

Who is it?

Morphology

Average size

26 cm
Maximum size

30 cm
Longevity

10 year
Pattern

drawn scales

Novaculichthys taeniourus - rockmover wrasse — Novaculichthys taeniourus, rockmover wrasse © François Libert

Average size

26 cm
Maximum size

30 cm
Longevity

10 year
Pattern

drawn scales

How to recognize the rockmover wrasse ?

The rockmover wrasse measures around 26 cm. The dominant males can however reach 30 cm. This fish is multicolore with a predominantly rouge, noir, marron, blanc and gris body. The also has blanc drawn scales.

Sexual dimorphism

The adult male is bigger than the female.

Behaviour & Life cycle

diet

carnivorous
Sociability

living as a couple
territorial

No
Way of living

diurnal

The rockmover wrasse is a fish living as a couple naturally found near the bottom. This species is carnivorous .

Although the rockmover wrasse is non-territorial, it is sometimes aggressive towards other species.

Reproduction

Reproduction

ovipare qui pond en eau libre
Hermaphrodite

protogynous

The rockmover wrasse is a fish ovipare qui pond en eau libre. always born female. Growing up, individuals will change sex to become male, this is called successive hermaphroditism of the protogynous type. This fish protects its eggs from nearby predators.

Harmless species

This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.

Where to find it?

Origin

Bay of Bengal Persian Gulf Great Barrier Reef mer d'Oman Philippine Sea Red Sea South East Asian Seas Indonesian seas East Indian Ocean western Indian Ocean Galapagos Tropical Eastern Pacific Western Tropical Pacific Ocean Oceania

islands

Bali Mauritius Réunion Lombok Nusa Penida

Conservation status of populations (IUCN)

World : LC

Where to see this species?

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

Temperature

25 - 29 °C
Depth

3 - 25 m

Biotope presentation

The rockmover wrasse is most often found at a depth between 3m and 25m. However, it is not impossible to find this species at other depths.

Species of the same biotope

To go further

Species of the same family

To read on the web

Sources & Contributions

Participation & Validation

The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.

Adrien Falzon

Benoit Chartrer

Translation

Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.