Family: |
Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Corinae |
Max. size: |
15 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 60 m, non-migratory |
Distribution: |
Indo-Pacific: Cocos-Keeling Islands in the eastern Indian Ocean to western Pacific and islands of Oceania. |
Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-11; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 11-11; Vertebrae: 25-25. Color in life of young and females whitish to greenish with irregular black spots; males orange-red with greenish yellow spots (edged in blue and black, per scale); head spotted and banded. Anterior lateral line scales with 2-4 pores. Pelvic fins short, not reaching anus. |
Biology: |
Inhabits subtidal reef flats and outer lagoon and seaward reefs (Ref. 1602). Usually in areas with mixed sand, rubble, and coral (Ref. 9710). Feeds mainly on gastropods, other hard-shelled prey (Ref. 9823), and foraminiferans (Ref. 37816). Rarely marketed. |
IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 23 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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