The multicolorfin rainbowfish is a native to East Asian coasts that does not naturally occur in U.S. coastal waters. Some reddish-brown females become larger, greenish males as they grow. The multicolorfin rainbowfish buries itself in sand to rest at night.

Appearance

Appearance
Females are reddish brown with dark lengthwise stripes. Larger males are much greener and more colorful.

Where it lives

Typical habitats
  • Sandy areas beside reefs
  • Rocky inshore waters
Range
It is native to the northwest Pacific around Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and nearby coasts. It does not naturally occur along U.S. coasts.

Behavior

Diet
It eats small crustaceans and marine worms from the seafloor.
Activity
It searches for food by day and buries itself in sand to rest at night.

Life cycle

Reproduction
Some females change into males as they grow.

Conservation

IUCN Red List
LCLeast ConcernLow risk of extinction
10 sources
  1. iNaturalist taxon API: Parajulis poecilepterus
  2. FishBase: Parajulis poecilepterus
  3. 新潟市水族館: キュウセン
  4. 東京都島しょ農林水産総合センター: キュウセン
  5. GBIF species match: Halichoeres poecilopterus
  6. 広島県: 瀬戸内さかな キュウセン
  7. 완도군 자생수산동식물: 용치놀래기
  8. 국립해양생물자원관: 놀래기 Halichoeres tenuispinis
  9. 吉野熊野ネイチャー図鑑: ホンベラ
  10. Honda釣り倶楽部: キュウセン
Multicolorfin Rainbowfish (Parajulis poecilepterus) — identification, habitat & look-alikes | Moeyo