| Family: |
Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Cheilininae |
| Max. size: |
5.5 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 23 - 35 m |
| Distribution: |
Eastern Indian Ocean: known only from northwestern Australia. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-9; Vertebrae: 25-25. Median predorsal scales 5; a single scale row on cheek; first two dorsal spines in males elevated, forming elongate pennant-like structure, its length 1.6-2.7 in head; caudal fin rounded in juveniles, females, and small males, rhomboid in larger males; pelvic fins of males long and club-shaped, 1.1-1.2 in HL; male reddish or pale orange grading to purple posteriorly on upper two-thirds of head and body with blackish dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins and iridescent blue spots on caudal fin; females mainly reddish; base of pectoral fin black in males and yellow in females. |
| Biology: |
Occurs inshore (Ref. 75154). Common over flat bottoms covered with dense Halimeda (Ref. 31119) at depths 23-35 m. Forms mixed aggregations with an undescribed Paracheilinus |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 25 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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