| Family: |
Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Cheilininae |
| Max. size: |
15 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 64 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Pacific: Indonesia to the Coral Sea, north to Guam, south to southeastern Australia. Recently recorded from Tonga (Ref. 53797). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-11; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-9. It can be distinguished from the other species by its longitudinal lines along the body (Ref. 48636). Differs from P. cryptus and P. guttatus by having IX, 11 rather than X, 9-10 dorsal rays and males with filamentous extensions on first two rather than the first four interspinous dorsal membranes (Ref. 37816). |
| Biology: |
Found in various habitats from shallow algae reefs to deep offshore on soft bottom with sponges and hydroid colonies (Ref. 9002). Mostly small, secretive species, usually hiding among dense weeds (Ref. 9002). It rarely leaves its cover except to move quickly between hydrozoan colonies, but not before having a good look around first to make sure its safe (Ref. 48636). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 21 October 2008 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.
