Peacock Razorfish
Iniistius pavo
Peacock Razorfish (Iniistius pavo) is a small Indo-Pacific wrasse that lives over sandy bottoms near coral and rubble. It uses a steep, blade-like body to dive into sand when threatened and is usually encountered as a quick, bottom-oriented fish rather than a target species.
Identification points
- Tall, very compressed wrasse body with a steep forehead and narrow snout
- Peacock-like blue-green spotting and bars with a reddish to pink body
- Long continuous dorsal fin with prominent spines and a pointed tail
Habitat
Shallow tropical marine habitats over sand adjacent to coral reefs, lagoons, reef flats, and sandy channels; often near patch reefs, rubble, and seagrass edges.
Bait notes
Not a common gamefish. Small natural baits such as shrimp, chopped clam, squid strips, or small worms may take it incidentally on light tackle; tiny soft plastics or small jigheads can also work near sand pockets.
Behavior
An active benthic forager that picks small invertebrates from sand and rubble, then darts away and buries itself rapidly when alarmed. Most active in daylight and typically solitary or in small loose groups.
Caution
Marine species with no notable species-specific hazards; handle carefully around sharp dorsal spines and respect local reef-fish regulations if collecting or keeping.
Fishing notes
Fish very light terminal tackle and present baits on the bottom beside reef-sand edges or channels. Slow retrieves, short hops, and minimal disturbance help; expect quick bites and brief fights rather than sustained runs.