Depth
Xyrichtys · Bony Fish

Pearly Razorfish

Xyrichtys novacula

0-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
0-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Reef & Open
Habitat
Carnivore
Diet
Solitary
Social
LC
IUCN Status
Moderate
Sighting Likelihood
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Genus Xyrichtys
Species novacula

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationHighly compressed, blade-thin body with a steep, almost vertical forehead. Males are blue-green with orange markings. Females are pale pink with a dark spot on the flank. Capable of diving headfirst into sand to escape danger.
  • SizeUp to 25 cm total length, commonly 10 to 18 cm.
  • Social HabitFound in small groups or harems of one male with several females over sandy areas. Dives into sand when threatened.
  • HabitatSandy bottoms adjacent to rocky reefs. Requires clean, loose sand for its characteristic sand-diving escape behaviour.
  • Depth1 to 50 m, most common between 5 and 25 m.
  • Feeds OnSmall invertebrates including crustaceans, worms, and molluscs found on and in sandy substrates.
  • DistributionEastern Atlantic from Portugal to Senegal, including the entire Mediterranean Sea.
  • DescriptionOne of the most entertaining fish to watch on a Mediterranean dive. When alarmed, the entire group vanishes instantly into the sand, diving headfirst with remarkable speed. The compressed, blade-like body is perfectly adapted for this behaviour. Males are beautifully coloured and patrol their sandy territory with a few females.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Found across the Mediterranean, inhabiting reef & open environments. Active from the surface down to 40m depth.

Where Malta divers have spotted this species

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Sightings are logged by divers using our What Did You See? dive-log tool. View the full live sightings map.

Detail

Preferred Environment

Reef & Open habitats, typically at depths of 0-40m. Most commonly encountered by divers at the shallower end of its range.

Encounter Tips

Best approached slowly and calmly. Avoid casting shadows directly over the animal. Neutral buoyancy and patience increase encounter success significantly.

Pearly Razorfish species card

Biology

Behaviour & Diet

Feeding Strategy

Feeds on small benthic invertebrates including worms, tiny crustaceans and molluscs picked from sandy substrates.

Benthic forager

Reproduction

A protogynous hermaphrodite that forms harems. The dominant male courts multiple females and spawning occurs in open water above the sand.

Hermaphrodite

Behaviour & Defence

Dives headfirst into sand at remarkable speed when threatened, completely disappearing beneath the substrate in an instant.

Sand burial

Dive with diveshack

Where to Encounter in Malta

The following dive sites offer strong habitat match for Xyrichtys novacula. All are accessible on a guided dive with diveshack.

5-30m
North Malta

Cirkewwa

Rocky reef with caves, arches and ledges hosting a rich diversity of reef species.

View dive site ›
5-50m
Gozo

Blue Hole

One of the Med's most famous reef dive sites. Rocky walls and archways covered in life.

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18-36m
South Malta

Um El Faroud

The wreck lies on a sandy bottom surrounded by rocky reef -- a diverse habitat attracting reef species.

View dive site ›
IUCN Red List Least Concern

Conservation Status

This species is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Mediterranean populations face ongoing pressure from fishing activity, habitat degradation, and climate-driven changes to prey availability.

Source: iNaturalist Guide #888
by Lesley Clements (CC BY-SA)
diveshack Mediterranean Marine Life guide