| Family: |
Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Cheilininae |
| Max. size: |
10 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 35 m |
| Distribution: |
Indo-Pacific: Red Sea south to Natal, South Africa (Ref. 4392) and east to the Tuamoto Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to Lord Howe and the Austral islands. Distribution includes St. Brandon's Shoals and Gulf of Tadjoura (Ref. 33410). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-12; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-9. Identified by the brightly color lined pattern and the small ocellus on the caudal fin base (Ref. 48636). |
| Biology: |
Occurs in seaward reefs among coral branches. Also in clear coastal waters, dense coral habitats on shallow reef crest or slopes to depth of about 20 m. Usually occurs in small loose groups. A shy species, usually swimming amongst the protection of coral branches (Ref. 48636). Feeds mainly on small crustaceans (Ref. 1602). Secretive (Ref. 37816). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 03 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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