Choerodon azurio (Jordan & Snyder, 1901)
Azurio tuskfish
Choerodon azurio
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Bodianinae
Max. size:  40 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine
Distribution:  Western Pacific: southern Japan, Korean Peninsula, Taiwan, and the China seas.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 10. Body anterior to wedge in adults somewhat dusky, paler posteriorly. Body with an anteroventrally angled narrow dusky wedge extending from base of tenth or eleventh dorsal-fin spine to posterior side of pectoral-fin base. Scales on subopercle reaching to or nearly to below anterior extent of ventral preopercular edge; predorsal scales reaching nearly to above posterior extent of orbit on dorsal midline of head (somewhat short of this in very large specimens). Juveniles somewhat mottled, but with a faint indication of above pattern and an ocellated dark spot posteriorly on dorsal fin.
Biology:  Adults are found near shore in rock bottom (Ref. 11230). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). In Hong Kong live fish markets (Ref. 27253).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 31 January 2006 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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