Decodon melasma Gomon, 1974
Blackspot wrasse
Decodon melasma
photo by Robertson, R.

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses)
Max. size:  32.3 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 40 - 160 m
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: Gulf of California to Ecuador.
Diagnosis:  Body moderately slender and compressed; head large and pointed; teeth caniniform, enlarged, and somewhat crooked, two anterior pairs in each jaw; dorsal fin continuous, with 11 spines; lateral line slightly arched, with 28 scales; body reddish pink; belly paler; a black spot on the flank above posterior edge of pectoral fin; anal fin white (Ref. 55763).
Biology:  Lives over sandy bottoms with gravel and isolated reefs. Often caught in the open sea as a by-catch of trawlers fishing for prawns and shrimps. Each individual functions first as a female but later changes to a male (Ref. 47122).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 23 May 2007 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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