Oxycheilinus celebicus (Bleeker, 1853)
Celebes wrasse
Oxycheilinus celebicus
photo by Patzner, R.

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Cheilininae
Max. size:  24 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 40 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Moluccas to the Solomon Islands, north to southern Japan, south to Rowley Shoals. Recently recorded from Tonga (Ref. 53797).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-8. The cheek lacks the multiple lines below the eye and dorsal fin has two thin, usually irregular, red marginal lines (Ref. 48636). The concave head profile of this species is similar to that of C. oxycephalus, but its coloration is distinctive.
Biology:  Inhabits coral-rich areas of protected reefs (Ref. 9710), with a rich mix of soft and brittle hard corals and other invertebrates (Ref. 48636). Reported to be associated with the mushroom Heliofungia actiniformis (Ref. 91291). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 25 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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 Not for publication.