Xyrichtys
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Xyrichtys | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Rosy razorfish (X. martinicensis) | |
 | |
| Pearly razorfish (X. novacula) | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Labriformes |
| Family: | Labridae |
| Tribe: | Novaculini |
| Genus: | Xyrichtys G. Cuvier, 1814 |
| Type species | |
| Coryphaena novacula Linnaeus, 1758 | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Xyrichtys is a genus of wrasses native to the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans, where they are found in sandy-bottomed habitats. They are commonly known as razorfishes, as they are very laterally compressed with a sharp bony ridge at the front of their heads. This adaptation allows them to burrow very quickly into the sand at any sign of danger.
