Leptojulis cyanopleura (Bleeker, 1853)
Shoulder-spot wrasse
Leptojulis cyanopleura
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses)
Max. size:  13 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 4 - 75 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: Gulf of Oman to the Philippines and Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-11; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 11-12. Slender species, usually with brown or dusky mid-lateral stripe. Male with reflective blue spot in the dark band, just past pectoral fin (Ref. 48636).
Biology:  Found in clear coastal slopes to outer reef lagoons on open rubble patches or rocky bottom (Ref. 48636). Occurs in groups (mostly females) on or near reefs, usually where the water is somewhat turbid and rich in plankton. Fish in the initial phase are much more abundant than the terminal males. Feeds on zooplankton at least a meter above the substrate.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 25 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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