| Family: |
Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Cheilininae |
| Max. size: |
7.67 cm SL (male/unsexed); 5.72 cm SL (female) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 40 - 70 m |
| Distribution: |
Indian Ocean: Maldives and Sri Lsnka. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-9; Vertebrae: 25-25. This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: males with anterior third to half of body bright magenta and peach to orange-pink posteriorly; lateral line pored scales 22-26 (dorso-anterior series 16-18, posterior peduncular series 6-8); tenth to eleventh dorsal-fin spine longest (14.0-15.5% SL); with scales on the opercle, chest, isthmus, and anterior third of the body with a dark purple-red central region, the markings joining to form a crosshatched appearance (purple in alcohol); dorsal, caudal, anal, and pelvic-fin rays purple in alcohol (Ref. 125961). |
| Biology: |
Found mostly in mesophotic coral ecosystems and likely to occur in greater depths. Like other Cirrhilabrus species, it frequents rubble bottoms scattered with loose coral cover (Ref. 125961). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.