Halichoeres nebulosus (Valenciennes, 1839)
Nebulous wrasse
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Corinae
Max. size:  12 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 40 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: throughout the tropical and subtropical Indian Ocean including the Red Sea.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-11; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 11-11. Males are identified by the angled or diagonal pink band below the eye. Females have a brighter pink patch of color on the belly compared to the similar H. margaritaceus (Ref. 48636).
Biology:  Found in groups (Ref. 90102) on reef flats, reef margins, and rocky shores (Ref. 9710). Mainly in inshore weedy areas but has been collected as deep as 40 m (Ref. 9710).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 April 2008 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.