| Family: |
Labridae (Wrasses) |
| Max. size: |
13 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 55 m |
| Distribution: |
Indo-Pacific: East Africa to American Samoa, north to Izu Islands, south to the Great Barrier Reef. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-11; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 10-10. Scales on lateral line: 46-49 (+2 past hypural) (Ref. 1602). Juveniles are black with several white pinstripes; females become lighter dorsally, and males develop golden centered scales, blue lines on the face, and a wedge-shaped white area in the center of the tail (Ref. 1602). |
| Biology: |
Uncommon inhabitant of coral-rich areas of clear outer lagoon and seaward reefs (Ref. 1602). May form small groups (Ref. 90102). Males generally solitary (Ref. 9710). Juveniles are cleaners while adults feed on coral polyps (Ref. 1602). Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 128797. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 25 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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