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Labroides pectoralis Randall & Springer, 1975 Blackspot cleaner wrasse |
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photo by
Tanaka, H. |
| Family: | Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Julidinae | |||
| Max. size: | 11 cm TL (male/unsexed) | |||
| Environment: | reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 30 m | |||
| Distribution: | Pacific Ocean: Cocos-Keeling Island in the eastern Indian Ocean to the Line and Pitcairn islands, north to the Bonin Islands, south to Rowley Shoals and the Great Barrier Reef. | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-12; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-11. Identified by the mostly yellow head and black spot below the pectoral fin base (Ref. 48636). Scales on lateral line: 28 (+2 past hypural) (Ref. 1602). | |||
| Biology: | Inhabits coral-rich areas of seaward and clear lagoon reefs (Ref. 9710). Occur solitarily or in pairs. Creates 'cleaning ' stations to which fishes come to have crustacean ectoparasites and mucus removed. | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 May 2008 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||