Species learning profile

Razorfish

Aeoliscus strigatus

Razorfish (Aeoliscus strigatus) is a saltwater fish associated with reef habitat in Indo-Pacific. Schools swim head-down in perfect vertical alignment.

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ReefCentriscidae

At a glance

Water
Salt water
Habitat
Reef
Maximum length
15 cm
Range
Indo-Pacific
Family
Centriscidae
Order
Syngnathiformes

Observe

How to identify Razorfish

  • Schools swim head-down in perfect vertical alignment.
  • Guide context: reef habitat in Indo-Pacific.
  • Reported maximum length: 15 cm — roughly ruler-length. Maximum is not the same as typical adult size.

Field note: color, size, and markings can change with age, sex, season, depth, and lighting. Use several traits together.

Place and pattern

Where it lives—and how it behaves

Habitat and range

This species is associated with reef habitat across Indo-Pacific. Reef crevices provide shelter while current, coral, algae, and neighboring animals supply food.

Behavior

Shelters among coral branches and sea urchin spines

Food-web connections

What it eats and why it matters

Diet

Zooplankton and tiny crustaceans.

Ecological role

Consumes plankton close to reef cover.

Remember

One fact worth keeping

Schools swim head-down in perfect vertical alignment.

Think like a conservationist

A conservation lens

Reef fish are affected by coral loss, warming, destructive fishing, pollution, and the removal of key grazers or predators.

This habitat lens is not a current population-status assessment. Status can differ among regions and change as new assessments are published; follow the reference links and local fisheries or wildlife agencies for current decisions.

Recall

Quick knowledge check

Which habitat is most closely associated with Razorfish in this guide?

Keep exploring

References and further reading

Fishdle summarizes stable identification and ecology concepts in plain language. Taxonomy and population knowledge continue to change, so use primary assessments and regional authorities for conservation or management decisions.

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