| 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 |
Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.
