Xyrichtys martinicensis Valenciennes, 1840
Rosy razorfish
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Xyrichtyinae
Max. size:  15 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 21 m
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: southern Florida, USA and Bahamas to northern South America.
Diagnosis:  Females light greenish gray, becoming pinkish ventrally, with diffuse orange-red stripe from behind eye to base of caudal fin; a broad white area over abdomen, the lower part with vertical lines of red; there may be faint red bars on the body. Large adult males lose the distinctive red, white and black markings; they develop a vertically elongate blue spot on each body scale; a yellow head with near-vertical pale blue bands, and a large dark spot in axil of pectoral fins (Ref. 13442).
Biology:  Most common in open sandy areas. Feeds on small sand-dwelling invertebrates. Dives head first into the sand when frightened. Generally common (Ref. 9710). Generally of no interest to fisheries because of its small average size (Ref. 5217).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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