| Family: |
Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Bodianinae |
| Max. size: |
100 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 16 kg |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 10 - 60 m |
| Distribution: |
Indo-West Pacific: Ryukyu Islands south to Australia and Indonesia. Reported from Mauritius (Ref. 5503). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 13-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7-7; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 10-10. Large adults appear blue underwater and usually have a small black spot at the dorsal fin base. Juveniles have a large white saddle spot following the black spot (Ref. 48636). A moderately small but prominent dark spot present on body at base of last dorsal-fin spine (spot not extending onto fin membrane). Body scales each with a blue centre in life forming horizontal rows of spots on side. Second prominent anterior canine in lower jaw distinctly shorter than first in adults, directed mostly dorsally and slightly anteriorly. 3 to 5 scales on subopercle. (Ref 9823) |
| Biology: |
Inhabit flat sandy or weedy areas near lagoon and seaward reefs (Ref. 9710). Solitary. Feed mainly on hard-shelled prey including crustaceans, mollusks and sea urchins. Marketed mostly fresh. In Hong Kong live fish markets (Ref. 27253). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Near Threatened (NT); Date assessed: 30 April 2004 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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