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Celebes razorfish

Iniistius celebicus

Celebes razorfish© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

The Celebes razorfish (Iniistius celebicus) is a small, colorful marine wrasse found on sandy flats of Indo‑Pacific reefs. It is prized by photographers for its vivid markings and by anglers for its quick, darting strikes when hooked.

Fight
Taste

Basic Information

Family

Labridae

Max Size

16.1 cm

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

6-15m

Climate

tropical

Best Season

Year‑round in tropical waters, peak during warm months (April‑October)

Best Time

Early morning or late afternoon when they feed near the surface

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Celebes razorfish

  • Target flat, sandy patches near coral where the fish bury themselves
  • Use ultra‑light tackle – a 5‑6 ft fast‑action spinning rod with 2‑6 lb test line
  • Cast tiny soft‑plastic grubs, micro‑jigs or live shrimp a few meters from the bottom and retrieve slowly
  • Watch for sudden bursts; set the hook quickly and keep tension light to avoid line breakage

Top Fishing Locations for Celebes razorfish

Raja Ampat, Misool Island

Indonesia
intermediate78% Very Common

World‑renowned dive and surf‑casting spot where vibrant reef slopes host abundant Celebes razorfish.

Best: May–October

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park

Philippines
expert62% Common

Remote UNESCO World Heritage site with steep drop‑offs; targeted by live‑bait anglers for razorfish.

Best: March–June

Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef

Australia
beginner55% Common

Coral lagoon adjacent to Lizard Island offers clear water and sand flats where razorfish ambush.

Best: September–December

Ari Atoll, Maldives

Maldives
intermediate68% Common

Lagoon channels with mixed sand and coral; popular for night‑fishing razorfish.

Best: November–April

Christmas Island, Indian Ocean

Australia
beginner74% Very Common

Isolated island with abundant reef flats; Celebes razorfish are plentiful during peak season.

Best: January–March

Rock Islands, Palau

Palau
intermediate60% Common

Karst limestone islands create sheltered lagoons where razorfish congregate.

Best: June–September

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Celebes razorfish

Recommended Equipment

Rod5‑6 ft fast‑action spinning rod (light)
Line2‑6 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeMicro jigs, tiny soft‑plastic grubs, tiny spoons
TechniqueBottom casting with slow retrieve, light jigging to provoke a strike

Best bait: Live shrimp, sand crab bits, or small pieces of squid