Halichoeres pictus (Poey, 1860)
Rainbow wrasse
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Corinae
Max. size:  13 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 5 - 25 m
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: southern Florida, USA and Bahamas to northern South America.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-11; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 12-12. The common color phase is white or yellow with two yellowish brown stripes, one along back next to base of dorsal fin and one on upper side which extends through eye to end of snout. Large adult males are blue-green to yellowish green on the upper half of body and pale blue on lower half; blue stripes on head; a large black spot at caudal base (Ref. 13442).
Biology:  Inhabits coral reefs, normally high above the bottom. Swims with worm-like movements. Feeds on various invertebrates. A protogynous hermaphrodite (Ref. 55367). Generally of no interest to fisheries because of its small average size (Ref. 5217).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 April 2008 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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