Xyrichtys novacula

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Pearly Razorfish

Range: Western Atlantic Ocean: North Carolina and northern Gulf of Mexico, and through the Caribbean to Brazil. Also Eastern Atlantic Ocean: Mediterranean Sea.

Size: 14 inches (35 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits sandy bottoms in protected lagoons near seagrass beds and usually found at depths between 3 – 300 feet (1 – 90 m) where it feeds on hard shelled prey.

General Husbandry: Not normally collected for the trade.

Taxonomy:

Order: Perciformes

Suborder: Labroidei

Family: Labridae

Genus: Xyrichtys

FYI: Shown here for identification only.

Those in this genus need very deep sand beds to dive into if frightened, or they will injure themselves greatly!

Has a temperature range of 59 - 79°F (15 – 26°C).