Pearly razorfish (Xyrichtys novacula) is a saltwater species recorded in the United States. It is mainly found over reef, at depths of 1–90 m.
Scientific name: Xyrichtys novacula · Water: Saltwater
Size: up to 38 cm
The pearly razorfish is a labrid of clear shallow areas with sandy bottoms, usually near seagrass beds and corals, and it is found from 1 to 90 m. It feeds mainly on mollusks as well as crabs and shrimps, it is a protogynous hermaphrodite with sexual dimorphism apparent in head shape and the length of the pelvic fin, and it builds nests with coral debris and dives head first into the sand when frightened. Maximum length is about 38 cm total length, commonly about 20 cm, and it can live eight years. It is a minor commercial species, a gamefish and a commercial aquarium fish, marketed fresh, with a very high price category. Fishing vulnerability is moderate at 36 of 100 and resilience medium. IUCN lists it as least concern.
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