Family: |
Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Cheilininae |
Max. size: |
13 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 40 m |
Distribution: |
Pacific Ocean: Great Barrier Reef to the Pitcairn Group. |
Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-9. Body is green posteriorly , shading to dusky blue-green in the middle, and to brighter blue-green anteriorly and on postorbital portion of the head; lower fourth of the body light red; postorbital head and anterior upper half of the body finely speckled with black; snout greenish yellow. |
Biology: |
More common in outer reef areas than sheltered lagoon reefs. Usually seen in small groups feeding a short distance above the bottom on zooplankton. These groups are composed mainly of females and juveniles. Males in courtship, actively swim up to 3 m or more above the bottom with fins fully erect. |
IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 10 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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