Blemished Razorfish

Description: Characterized by male having pale bluish grey except middle of side with large brown to blackish spot on anterior back; female similar to male except whit patch in male is with partially yellow anterior border and bluish scales along ventral border, also back with scattered brown dots, following lateral line; dorsal rays IX,12; anal rays III,12; pectoral rays 12; pelvic rays I,5, branched soft rays; lateral line scales 20+5; scales above lateral line to origin of dorsal fin 4; scales above lateral line to middle of spinous portion of dorsal fin 2; scales below lateral line to origin of anal fin 9; circumpeduncular scales 16; interrupted lateral line, pored scales 20+5 or 6; broad band of small scales on cheek with 6-9 horizontal scale rows with 32-45 scales; 3 small scales dorsoanteriorly on opercle; gill rakers 16-18; brachiostegal rays 5; depth of body 3.0-3.2 in SL; nearly vertical dorsal profile of snout; slender and flexible first two dorsal spines; vertebrae 25 (Ref. 90102).

Distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205).

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 12; Vertebrae: 25

Inhabits locality with extensive open sand with gradual sloping bottom at 10-25 m. Dives into sand to sleep safely at night or to hide when alarmed. Occurs in loose groups (Ref. 90102).

Iniistius naevus, the blemished razorfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish from the family Labridae, the wrasses. It is found in the Eastern Indian Ocean.

This species reaches a length of 13.2 cm (5.2 in).