Halichoeres marginatus Rüppell, 1835
Dusky wrasse
Halichoeres marginatus
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Corinae
Max. size:  18 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 30 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Red Sea south to Inhaca Island, Mozambique (Ref. 4392) and east to the Hawaiian (1 specimen) and Tuamoto islands, north to southern Japan, south to the southern Great Barrier Reef and Austral Islands.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-14; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 12-13. Juveniles are black with numerous longitudinal white streaks (Ref. 1602).
Biology:  Inhabit lagoon and seaward reefs, along the upper edges of coral-rich areas (Ref. 9710, 58534). Benthopelagic (Ref. 58302). May be solitary or found in small group (Ref. 90102). Juveniles are encountered in exposed outer reef flats (Ref. 1602). Feed on a wide variety of small invertebrates as well as fish eggs.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 25 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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