Xyrichtys is a genus of wrasses found in sandy-bottomed ocean habitats throughout the world. They are commonly known as razorfishes as they are very laterally compressed with a sharp bony ridge at the front of the head. This adaptation allows these fishes to burrow very quickly into the sand at any sign of danger.

Species

25 species are currently recognized:

• Xyrichtys bimaculatus Two-spot Razorfish
• Xyrichtys blanchardi Marmalade Razorfish
• Xyrichtys cyanifrons
• Xyrichtys dea
• Xyrichtys evides
• Xyrichtys geisha
• Xyrichtys incandescens
• Xyrichtys jacksonensis Purple-spotted Wrasse
• Xyrichtys javanicus
• Xyrichtys martinicensis Rosy Razorfish
• Xyrichtys melanopus Yellowpatch Razorfish
• Xyrichtys mundiceps Cape Razorfish
• Xyrichtys niger
• Xyrichtys novacula Pearly Razorfish
• Xyrichtys pentadactylus Fivefinger Wrasse
• Xyrichtys rajagopalani
• Xyrichtys sanctaehelenae Yellow Razorfish
• Xyrichtys splendens Green Razorfish
• Xyrichtys trivittatus
• Xyrichtys twistii
• Xyrichtys verrens
• Xyrichtys victori Galapagos Razorfish
• Xyrichtys virens
• Xyrichtys wellingtoni
• Xyrichtys woodi

References

• Xyrichtys trivittatus, a New Species of Razorfish (Perciformes: Labridae) from Hong Kong and Taiwan J.E. Randall and A.S. Cornish
• FishBase entry for Xyrichtys