| Family: |
Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Corinae |
| Max. size: |
40 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 8 - 40 m |
| Distribution: |
Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and South Africa (Ref. 11228) to the Society and Pitcairn islands, north to southern Japan, south to southeastern Australia and Rapa Island. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-12; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 12-12. Two-color forms: the 'true' species in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea and its sibling in the Pacific regions. Females look almost black; males mainly greenish with blue face, of which Indian form shows a white band central to the body, whilst the Pacific form a pale peduncular area when in nuptial mode (Ref. 48636). Juvenile H. annulatus very closely resemble juvenile Malacanthus latovittatus (Ref.1602). Poorly developed pharyngeal teeth (Ref. 1602). |
| Biology: |
Found on coral reefs and rocky substrates to depths of at least 30 m (Ref. 9823) on offshore reef slopes (Ref. 90102). Juveniles generally solitary (Ref. 9710). Feeds primarily on small fishes, also on crustaceans (Ref. 2334). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 02 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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