Home
>
Fish
>
Yellowback Tubelip

Yellowback Tubelip

Labropsis Xanthonota

Quick Facts

Scientific name Labropsis Xanthonota

Other names Blacklobe Wrasse, V-tail Tubelip Wrasse, V-tail Wrasse, Comet Wrasse, Tubemouth Wrasse

Size Up to 13 cm (5.1 in)

Weight Under 80 grams

Distribution

Habitat & AU Distribution Coastal waters amongst lagoons & seaward coral reefs

Depth Range 1 - 10 m (33 ft)

Interesting Info

The Yellowback Tubelip is a marine fish species that is native to Australia and commonly found in the coastal waters of northern Queensland.
The body of the Yellowback Tubelip is elongated and compressed, and it has a pointed head. It is named after the bright yellow coloration of its back and dorsal fin.
The Yellowback Tubelip is an omnivorous species and feeds on algae, aquatic plants, insects, and small crustaceans.
The scientific name of the Yellowback Tubelip, Labropsis xanthonota, is derived from the Greek words “labros” meaning “large-lipped” and “opsis” meaning “appearance,” and the Latin words “xanthus” meaning “yellow” and “notus” meaning “back.”
The species is known for its unique reproductive behaviour, where the males excavate pits in the coral reef to attract females for spawning.
Estimated lifespan is between 5 – 7 years in the wild.

Species Interaction

Aquarium, Snorkeling & Diving

Yellowback Tubelip can make a good aquarium fish for experienced hobbyists, it is important to carefully consider their needs and behaviour before adding them to an aquarium. Observing Yellowback Tubelips in their natural marine environment can be an enjoyable and memorable experience for snorkelers and divers, and can provide valuable opportunities for observing their behaviour and habitat.

Species
Sustainability

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Perciformes

Family: Labridae

Genus: Labropsis

Species: Labropsis Xanthonota

Conservation Status

The conservation status of the Yellowback Tubelip in Australia is currently listed as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. This means that the species is considered to be widespread and abundant, with no major threats to its population.