Xyrichtys novacula (Linnaeus 1758) —Pearly razorfish

Taxonomy. First record from Lebanon as Xyrichthys novacula (Linnaeus 1758) by George et al. (1961: 20); subsequently recorded as Xyrichthys novacula (Linnaeus) by Mouneimné (1977: 64); as Xyrichthys novacula (Linnaeus 1758) by Mouneimné (2002: 196–197);); recently recorded as Xyrichthys novacula by Harmelin-Vivien et al. (2005: 628). Material in collection: AUBM, BMNH, USNM and FMNH (as X. cultratus).

Distribution. Western Atlantic: southern Florida (U.S.A.) south to Brazil, including Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea; Mediterranean Sea, Sea of Marmara, eastern Atlantic: Spain south to Gabon, including Madeira and Canary Islands.

Conservation. IUCN: Global (LC: 12 April 2008); Med. (LC: 13 November 2007). Capture and threats: FIT, HAB, Unknown. Occurrence: Common. Low priority for conservation action .