| Family: |
Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Cheilininae |
| Max. size: |
12 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 6 - 40 m |
| Distribution: |
Indo-Pacific: East Africa south to Sodwana Bay, South Africa (Ref. 4392) and east to the Tuamoto Islands. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-9; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-9. Large oval black spot on caudal peduncle just above lateral line (Ref. 4392). A closely related undescribed species occurs in west and central Pacific; differs in color, greatest between nuptial males (Ref. 48636). |
| Biology: |
Occurs over rubble or low patch reefs in areas of current (Ref. 9823); also on reef edges and around bommies with rubble zones (Ref. 48636); often in moderately large groups and mixed sex during feeding on zooplankton well above the substrate. Males often display to each other (Ref. 48636). Reported to be associated with the mushroom coral Heliofungia actiniformis (Ref. 91291). Feeds on zooplankton in the water column (Ref. 9823). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 02 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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