Suezichthys gracilis (Steindachner & Döderlein, 1887)
Slender wrasse
photo by Eric Keung@114°E Hong Kong Reef Fish Survey

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses)
Max. size:  16 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Viet Nam, New Caledonia, and Australia (Ref. 530). The only Indian Ocean record was that from the Persian Gulf (Ref. 11441).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-11; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 10-10; Vertebrae: 25-25. Anterior part of dorsal fin unspotted in initial phase, but present in terminal phase; dark diagonal band or spots on caudal fin absent in T.P.; pectoral and pelvic fins translucent yellow. A dark yellowish green stripe from upper lip through eye to upper margin of the opercle; yellowish cheeks and lower jaw. 4-5 predorsal scales; 2-3 cheek scale rows behind eye; 3 cheek scale rows below eye. Scaly sheath at dorsal and anal fins' bases absent. Scales large.
Biology:  Found around coral and rock patches in shallow protected sandy areas (Ref. 9710). Amphipods, small crustaceans, and polychaetes have been reported from the stomachs of Japanese specimens.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 July 2008 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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