Labropsis polynesica Randall, 1981
Labropsis polynesica
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses)
Max. size:  9.9 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 15 - 38 m
Distribution:  Eastern Central Pacific: Cook, Austral, Society and Tuamoto islands.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 8-10; Anal spines: 2. Lips and a region around mouth abruptly pale, in contrast to dark colour of rest of head. First and second pairs of canine teeth anteriorly in jaws nearly equal in size. Juveniles and small females with 3 narrow dark stripes (bright blue in life). Dorsal fin dark. Males without a white area posteriorly in caudal fin (Ref 9823).
Biology:  Feeds on coral polyps (Ref. 89972).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 25 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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