Rockmover wrasse – Novaculichthys taeniourus

Rockmover wrasse, Dragon Wrasse, Masked Wrasse, Olive-scribbled Wrasse, Reindeer Wrasse, Rockmover Wrasse, Tahiti Sand Wrasse, Novaculichthys taeniourus
Size: 30 cm
Depth: 3 - 25 m

American Samoa, Andaman and Nicobar, Australia, China, Cocos Islands, Comoros, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, French Polynesia, Galapagos Islands, Guam, Guatemala, Hawaii, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Kiribati, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Mozambique, New Caledonia, Nicaragua, Norfolk Island, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Reunion Island, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, South Korea, Sudan, Taiwan, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Tonga, USA, Vanuatu, Vietnam

Arabian Sea, Celebes Sea, Coral Sea, East China Sea, Great Barrier Reef, Indian Ocean, Lingayan Gulf, Moro Gulf, Pacific Ocean, Persian Gulf, Red Sea, South China Sea, Sulu Sea, Yellow Sea

The Dragon Wrasse, Masked Wrasse, Olive-scribbled Wrasse, Reindeer Wrasse, Rockmover Wrasse, Tahiti Sand Wrasse, scientifically known as Novaculichthys taeniourus, is a captivating marine fish species renowned for its distinctive appearance and fascinating behavior. This wrasse species is characterized by its vibrant colors and intriguing patterns, adding a touch of brilliance to the underwater world.

Description & Characteristics

The Novaculichthys taeniourus can reach a maximum size of 30.0 cm. This species showcases a captivating array of colors and patterns, adding a splash of vibrancy to the underwater landscape. These wrasses are commonly found in a variety of marine environments, including coral reefs, sandy sea floors, and seagrass meadows, contributing to the biodiversity of these ecosystems.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Novaculichthys taeniourus is an adaptable species, thriving in a diverse range of habitats. It is commonly found in the neritic zone, specifically the Subtidal, sublittoral, and infralittoral zones, which extend from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth. They frequent coral reefs, gravel soils, rubble rocks, reef combs, reef ridges, sandy sea floors, seagrass meadows, eelgrass meadows, and stony soils, demonstrating a remarkable ability to thrive in varying conditions.

Taxonomy

The species Novaculichthys taeniourus belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Eupercaria incertae sedis, and Family: Labridae. This classification reflects its evolutionary lineage and shared characteristics with other members of the wrasse family.

Feeding

The Novaculichthys taeniourus is a carnivorous species, primarily feeding on a variety of small invertebrates. Its diet includes amphipods, brine shrimps, clam meat, copepods, daphnia salina, frozen food (large sort), krill, lobster eggs, mysis, schrimps, shrimps, and worms. This dietary preference highlights its role as an important predator in the marine food web, helping to regulate the populations of its prey.

Associated Species

Image References

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