Macropharyngodon bipartitus Smith, 1957
Rare wrasse
Macropharyngodon bipartitus
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Corinae
Max. size:  13 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range - 30 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: from Zanzibar to Mozambique and Aldabra, Sychelles, RĂ©union, Mauritius and Maldives, South Africa (Kwa-Zulu-Natal), Chagos Archipelago, southern Oman, Rodrigues, and Yemen.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-11; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 11-11
Biology:  Inhabits lagoon and sheltered seaward reefs (Ref. 9710). Occurs singly or in pairs; females often found in small groups (Ref. 9710). Feeds on invertebrates by picking items from the substratum. Burrows in the sand at the sign of danger (Ref. 5503).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 23 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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