Home
>
Fish
>
Knife Wrasse

Knife Wrasse

Cymolutes Praetextatus

Quick Facts

Scientific name Cymolutes Praetextatus

Other names Knife Razorfish, Knife Razor Wasse, Knifefish, Razor Wrasse

Size Up to 30 cm (11.87 in)

Weight Up to .5 kg (1.1 lb)

Distribution

Habitat & AU Distribution Shallow coastal waters amongst sandy & seagrass areas near reefs

Depth Range 1 - 60 m (196 ft)

Interesting Info

The Knife Wrasse is a common species found in the coastal waters of Australia, ranging from Western Australia to Queensland.
They have a distinctive appearance, with a narrow, elongated body and a pointed snout. They are generally greyish-green in colour, with a series of vertical stripes along their sides.
They typically feed on small crustaceans and other invertebrates, while adults will eat a variety of small fish and invertebrates.
Within their habitat they prefer areas with strong currents.
The species is known to breed during the summer months, with females laying large egg masses that are guarded by males.
Estimated lifespan is up to 10 years.

Species Interaction

Recreational Fishing, Snorkeling & Diving

Knife Wrasse are not specifically targeted for recreational fishing, but they are sometimes caught incidentally as bycatch. Observing Knife Wrasse in the wild for snorkelers and divers can be a rewarding experience, but they are a relatively elusive species that can be difficult to spot.

Species
Sustainability

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Perciformes

Family: Labridae

Genus: Cymolutes

Species: Cymolutes Praetextatus

Conservation Status

The conservation status of the Knife Wrasse in Australia is considered to be “Data Deficient” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This means that there is not enough information available to determine the species’ conservation status, and further research is needed to understand population trends and distribution.