The Black-barred Razorfish, Blue Razorfish, Indianfish, Indianfish Blue Razorfish, Pavo Razorfish, Peacock Razorfish, Peacock Wrasse, Razor Wrasse, Red-belly Razor Wrasse, scientifically known as Iniistius pavo, is a vibrant and captivating marine fish found in tropical and subtropical waters across the Indo-Pacific region. This species, also known as the Razor Wrasse, displays a captivating blend of colors and patterns, earning it a multitude of common names.
Description and Characteristics
Iniistius pavo is a relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of 42.0 cm. Its body is elongated and compressed laterally, characterized by a distinctive, razor-sharp dorsal fin that runs along its back. The fish’s coloration is a spectacle in itself, showcasing a bold and vibrant blue-green base color punctuated by black vertical bars that extend from the dorsal fin to the belly. The head region displays a striking contrast, often adorned with a bright orange or yellow hue that extends to the pectoral fins. This colorful display makes the Iniistius pavo a truly captivating sight in the marine environment.
Habitat and Occurrence
Iniistius pavo exhibits a preference for a wide range of marine habitats, from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at around 200 meters. This preference places it in the Subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zones of the oceans, further solidifying its presence within the neritic zone. As a result, the Black-barred Razorfish, Blue Razorfish, Indianfish, Indianfish Blue Razorfish, Pavo Razorfish, Peacock Razorfish, Peacock Wrasse, Razor Wrasse, Red-belly Razor Wrasse can be observed in a variety of locations including coral reefs, rocky shores, and seagrass meadows. This adaptability allows the species to thrive in a diverse array of underwater environments.
Taxonomy
Iniistius pavo is classified within the scientific framework of the animal kingdom. It belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Eupercaria incertae sedis, and Family: Labridae. This classification highlights its position within the larger taxonomic hierarchy, showcasing its lineage and evolutionary history.
Distribution and Occurrence
The Black-barred Razorfish, Blue Razorfish, Indianfish, Indianfish Blue Razorfish, Pavo Razorfish, Peacock Razorfish, Peacock Wrasse, Razor Wrasse, Red-belly Razor Wrasse is widely distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific. Its geographic range extends from the Red Sea and the East African coast, eastward through the Indian Ocean, and into the Pacific Ocean, encompassing regions like Indonesia, the Philippines, and the Great Barrier Reef. This extensive range reflects the species’ adaptability and resilience, enabling it to thrive across a vast expanse of marine environments.
Feeding
Iniistius pavo is a carnivorous fish with a diet composed primarily of a variety of invertebrates. Its feeding habits include consuming a wide range of prey, including amphipods, brine shrimp nauplii, brine shrimps, clams, copepods, cyclops, daphnia salina, frozen food (small sorts), invertebrates, krill, living food, mysis, and snails. This diverse feeding strategy highlights its opportunistic nature, enabling it to exploit various food sources within its habitat. The Black-barred Razorfish, Blue Razorfish, Indianfish, Indianfish Blue Razorfish, Pavo Razorfish, Peacock Razorfish, Peacock Wrasse, Razor Wrasse, Red-belly Razor Wrasse utilizes its sharp teeth to effectively break down and consume its prey, securing a steady supply of nutrients to support its growth and survival.
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