| 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). |
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Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 03 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
| harmless |
|
Known from Kimbe bay (Ref. 28888). Museum: Trobriand Is., AMS I.17096-053; USNM uncat. (6:2.5-4.65 cm SL). Horseshoe Reef, BPBM 32451. Lolorua I. (off Port Moresby), BPBM 15895. Madang, AMS I.17087-003; USNM uncat. Bagabag I., USNM 232353. New Ireland, USNM uncat. Duke of Kirk Group, ANSP 13771. Massas I., USNM 258923. Hermit Is., Taet I., USNM 258925. Ninigo Is., USNM 258922 (Ref. 33410). |
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