| Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Cheilininae |
| 10 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
|
reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 35 m |
| Indo-Pacific: Red Sea south to Natal, South Africa (Ref. 4392) and east to the Tuamoto Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to Lord Howe and the Austral islands. Distribution includes St. Brandon's Shoals and Gulf of Tadjoura (Ref. 33410). |
|
Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-12; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-9. Identified by the brightly color lined pattern and the small ocellus on the caudal fin base (Ref. 48636). |
| Occurs in seaward reefs among coral branches. Also in clear coastal waters, dense coral habitats on shallow reef crest or slopes to depth of about 20 m. Usually occurs in small loose groups. A shy species, usually swimming amongst the protection of coral branches (Ref. 48636). Feeds mainly on small crustaceans (Ref. 1602). Secretive (Ref. 37816). |
|
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 03 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
| harmless |
|
Known from Austral Is. (Ref. 4517). Museum: Society Is.: MCZ 14440, NMW 28376-77; Maiao, CAS 205024, 204011; Tahiti, BPBM 6072, 8386, CAS 73535, 205019, 204002; USNM uncat.; Moorea, AMS I.21647-038, BPBM 8349, 11618; Raiatea, ANSP 67550, CAS 205011; Huahine, USNM uncat.; Bora Bora, CAS 205007, 205022, USNM uncat. (Ref. 33410). Also Ref. 89972. |
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