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J Ponces | all galleries >> Places on Earth >> Madeira Islands > Pearly Razorfish (Xyrichtys novacula)
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26-JUN-2008 JPC

Pearly Razorfish (Xyrichtys novacula)

Madeira Is., Portugal view map

Called "Parrotfish' in Madeira. Quite rare, and very difficult to photograph, as it move erratically...

Also known as Sand Wrasses, Razorfishes and Cleaver Wrasse.
Found singly or in loose groups hovering over inshore reefs on sand and rubble bottoms.
When disturbed they will dive into the sand, they can "swim" for long distances through the sand to deter predators.
Varies in colour, juveniles have body bars that they lose with age.
They feed on hard shell invertebrates.
Length - 25cm
Depth - 1-10m
Widespread Western Atlantic & Caribbean


other sizes: small medium original auto