Teleostei (teleosts) >
Eupercaria/misc (Various families in series Eupercaria) >
Labridae (Wrasses) > Hypsigenyinae
Etymology: Choerodon: Greek, choiros = a pig + odous = teeth (Ref. 45335); referrring to the prominent anterior canines of the species in this genus (Ref. 116605).
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 15 - 40 m (Ref. 86942). Tropical
Western Pacific: Philippines, Queensland, Australia to New Caledonia.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm
Max length : 51.5 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 5525)
Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 10. Body with about 5 to 7 complete broad dusky bands. A distinct dark spot centered on lateral line along dusky band below fifth or sixth dorsal-fin spine. Adults with second prominent anterior canine approximately 1/2 the size of the first, directed mostly dorsally. (Ref 9823)
Body shape (shape guide): short and / or deep; Cross section: oval.
Adults inhabit lagoon and seaward reefs, usually on rubble and sand bottoms (Ref. 9710) at depths greater than 20 m. Solitary. Feed mainly on hard-shelled prey including crustaceans, mollusks and sea urchins. Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). Relatively common and easily approached (Ref. 9710).
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205).
Westneat, M.W., 2001. Labridae. Wrasses, hogfishes, razorfishes, corises, tuskfishes. p. 3381-3467. In K.E. Carpenter and V. Niem (eds.) FAO species identification guide for fishery purposes. The living marine resources of the Western Central Pacific. Vol. 6. Bony fishes part 4 (Labridae to Latimeriidae), estuarine crocodiles. FAO, Rome. (Ref. 9823)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: public aquariums
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