Find a Fish
Peacock Razorfish
Xyrichtys pavo Valenciennes, 1840
A juvenile Peacock Razorfish at a depth of 15m, North West Solitary Island, New South Wales. View larger image.
Adult Peacock Razorfish are grey dorsally, yellow-white ventrally, have three broad indistinct bars laterally, and a blue-rimmed black spot on the upper side of the body.
The colouration of juveniles (see image) is variable. They usually have more distinct dark bars than the adults and often have two spots on the soft dorsal fin.
This species lives over sand near coral reefs. When disturbed it uses its keeled forehead to dive headfirst into the sand.
Juveniles appear to mimic dead drifting leaves. They often hold the first two dorsal spines forward over the head.
The Peacock Razorfish grows to 35cm in length. It is known from north-western Australia and from northern Queensland to southern New South Wales.
Further reading
- Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
- Allen, G.R. & R. Swainston. 1988. The Marine Fishes of North-Western Australia. A Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 201.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.
