| Family: |
Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Corinae |
| Max. size: |
27 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 40 m |
| Distribution: |
Indo-Pacific: Red Sea south to Sodwana Bay, South Africa and east to the Line, Marquesas and Tuamoto islands, north to southern Japan, south to the southern Great Barrier Reef. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-11; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 11-11. Some geographical variations between Indian and Pacific Ocean and Red Sea. Adults with one or two yellow saddles over the back and sometimes with small black spot on upper peduncle. Small juveniles black and white, gradually changing with growth to adult pattern (Ref. 48636). |
| Biology: |
Inhabits sand patches of lagoon and seaward reefs to at least 30 m (Ref. 1602); also on slopes to moderate depths along drop-offs (Ref. 48636). Juveniles common at the bottom of surge channels (Ref. 9710). Feeds mainly on hard-shelled prey, including mollusks, crustaceans and sea urchins (9823). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 April 2008 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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