Saltwater
Fivefinger wrasse
Iniistius pentadactylus
Labridae, Xyrichtyinae
Facts
Characteristics
- Length
- Up to 25 cm
- Body shape
- Streamlined
Care
- Group
- Missing
- Smallest aquarium
- 375 liters
- Diet
- Missing
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Behavior
Water values
Smallest tank
Range
Native
Lives wild in Australia, Egypt, French Polynesia, Guam, Hong Kong SAR China, India, Indonesia, Japan, and 15 more countries.
More about the species
Description
Found over sandy bottoms of coastal areas and also in areas with some seagrass or algae. Ranges to a depth of over 18 m. Usually in large spread-out groups on upper slopes of sand and mud banks with males defending its section that has numerous females. Dives into sand to sleep safely at night or to hide when alarmed. When threatened, it dives head-first into sand; may take some time to emerge again. Feeds mainly on hard-shelled prey, including mollusks and crustaceans. Minimum depth taken from Ref. 9710.
Other names
Other scientific names
- Coryphaena pentadactyla
- Hemipteronotus pentadactylus
- Novacula sexmaculata
- Novocula sexmaculata
- Xirichthys cyanirostris
- Xirichtys cyanirostris
In other languages
- Five-finger wrasse, Fivefinger razorfish, Red-spot razor wrasse, Red-spot razorfish, Redspot razorfish, Wrasse
Articles
All articles
How to add new fish4 min read
From the store to the tank: how to get the fish used to your water, why you should add only a few at a time, and what to watch for in the first few days.
Quarantine for new fish3 min read
Why new fish should live in a tank of their own for a few weeks before they move in, what you need, and what to look for.
From freshwater to saltwater3 min read
What is different in a saltwater aquarium: salt, refractometer, live rock and corals. An introduction for anyone thinking of giving it a try.