| Family: |
Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Corinae |
| Max. size: |
27 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 30 m |
| Distribution: |
Indo-Pacific: Christmas Island and Rowly Shoals in the eastern Indian Ocean to the Line and Ducie islands, north to south Japan, south to Lord Howe Island. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-11; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 10-11. Light greenish to yellowish on back, white below; scale rims pink to blackish; a black spot is at the upper base of the pectoral fin; another black spot about equal to eye diameter is at the upper base of the caudal peduncle. |
| Biology: |
Inhabits sandy areas of reef flats, lagoons, and semi-protected seaward reefs. Juveniles shallow in protected coastal waters; adults to about 30 m depth (Ref. 48636). Feeds on sand and rubble dwelling invertebrates (crustaceans, mollusks, forams, polychaetes, fish eggs, and small fishes). Has the habit of following sand-disturbing fishes such as goatfishes in order to intercept escaping prey. Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 30874. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 April 2008 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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