Common name: Razorfish
General information
The Pearly Razorfish, scientifically known as Xyrichtys novacula, is a distinctive species within the wrasse family. It is well-known for its unique ability to rapidly bury itself in the sand when threatened, a behavior that fascinates many aquarists. This species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males typically displaying brighter colors and more pronounced patterning than females.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 300 liter (79 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 22 cm (9″)
- Care level
- Moderate to difficult
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Social
- Solo
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at small inverts, clams
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Can be territorial
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyWrassesLabridae
- GenusRazorfishXyrichtys
- SpeciesRazorfishXyrichtys novacula (Linnaeus, 1758)
- SynonymsAmorphocephalus granulatus Bowdich, 1825Coryphaena lineata Gmelin, 1789Coryphaena lineolata Rafinesque, 1810Coryphaena novacula Linnaeus, 1758Coryphaena psittacus Linnaeus, 1766Hemipteronotus copei Fowler, 1900Hemipteronotus novacula (Linnaeus, 1758)Hemipteronotus psittacus (Linnaeus, 1766)Hemipteronotus rosipes (Jordan & Gilbert, 1884)Novacula coryphaena Risso, 1827Novacula coryphaenoides Schinz, 1822Novacula coryphena Risso, 1827Novacula cultrata (Valenciennes, 1840)Novacula lineata (Gmelin, 1789)Novacula lineolata (Rafinesque, 1810)Novacula novacula (Linnaeus, 1758)Xyrichthyes novacula (Linnaeus, 1758)Xyrichthys argentimaculata Steindachner, 1861Xyrichthys binghami Mowbray, 1925Xyrichthys cultratus Valenciennes, 1840
Care
Pearly Razorfish are active swimmers and require an aquarium with a thick sand bed to mimic their natural habitat. They are generally peaceful but can be territorial towards their own kind or similar-looking fish. A varied diet of meaty foods, including frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood, will help maintain their health and coloration.
Reproduction
In the wild, Pearly Razorfish are known to form harems consisting of one male and several females. Breeding in captivity is rare, but environmental stability and a well-structured social group can encourage spawning behavior. Eggs are released into the water column and develop into planktonic larvae.
Habitat
Xyrichtys novacula is found in the Mediterranean Sea, the eastern Atlantic Ocean from France to South Africa, and in the waters around the Azores, Madeira, and the Canary Islands. They inhabit sandy areas adjacent to reefs and seagrass beds, often at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 60 meters.