Labropsis australis
Labropsis australis Randall, 1981
Southern tubelip
Labropsis australis
photo by Dubosc, J.

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Julidinae
Max. size:  10.5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 55 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Solomon Islands, American Samoa, Vanuatu, Fiji, Loyalty Islands in New Caledonia, Tonga and Great Barrier Reef.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-12; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 11-11
Biology:  Inhabits shallow reef areas with high coral cover (Ref. 9823). Adults feed on coral polyps while juveniles take ectoparasites and possibly mucus of other reef fishes (Ref. 9823).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 25 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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