Stethojulis balteata (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)
Belted wrasse
Stethojulis balteata
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Corinae
Max. size:  15 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range - 22 m
Distribution:  Eastern Central Pacific: Hawaiian Islands and Johnston Island.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Benthopelagic (Ref. 58302). Common in shallow water (maximum 22 m), over sand and lagal covered rocks; observed to take quick, seemingly indiscrimate bites of the substratum with sand emitted from its gills (Ref. 86689). Feeds primarily on bivalves, polychaete worms, peanut worms, gastropods, various small crustaceans and foraminiferans (Ref. 3921).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 July 2008 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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