Halichoeres lapillus Smith, 1947
Jewelled wrasse
Halichoeres lapillus
photo by Muséum-Aquarium de Nancy/D. Terver

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Corinae
Max. size:  14 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 5 - 15 m
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: southern Mozambique and Natal, South Africa; also Reunion (Ref. 53568), Mauritius and Madagascar.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-11; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 11-11
Biology:  Found in rocky bottoms or reefs rich in algae.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 25 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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