Labroides pectoralis Randall & Springer, 1975
Blackspot cleaner wrasse
Labroides pectoralis
photo by Tanaka, H.

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses)
Max. size:  11 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 30 m
Distribution:  Pacific Ocean: Cocos-Keeling Island in the eastern Indian Ocean to the Line and Pitcairn islands, north to the Bonin Islands, south to Rowley Shoals and the Great Barrier Reef.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-12; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-11. Identified by the mostly yellow head and black spot below the pectoral fin base (Ref. 48636). Scales on lateral line: 28 (+2 past hypural) (Ref. 1602).
Biology:  Inhabits coral-rich areas of seaward and clear lagoon reefs (Ref. 9710). Occur solitarily or in pairs. Creates 'cleaning ' stations to which fishes come to have crustacean ectoparasites and mucus removed.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 May 2008 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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