| Family: |
Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Cheilininae |
| Max. size: |
15.95 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 49 - 85 m |
| Distribution: |
Eastern Central Pacific: Rarotonga, Cook Islands and known from the Pitcairn Islands. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-8; Vertebrae: 23-23. This species is distinguished by the following characters: Dorsal rays IX, 10; anal rays III, 8; pectoral rays 13; lateral-line interrupted, with pored scales to caudal-fin base 16 + 7; gill rakers 4 + 8; body moderately elongate, with depth about 3.4 in SL; head length about 2.5 in SL; snout long and pointed, about 2.5 in head; dorsal profile of snout nearly straight, of nape slightly convex; lower jaw slightly projecting; maxilla ending a half-eye diameter before anterior margin of orbit; caudal fin (of adult male) slightly rounded, the upper 3 principal rays a little prolonged; membranes of spinous part of dorsal fin incised one-third to one-half length of spines; pectoral fins short, about 3.2 in head; body below lateral line with 12 narrow, slightly irregular, dark brown stripes separated by white lines; body above lateral line with
similar but more irregular bands; head with narrow dark brown bands radiating from eye except anteriorly; snout bluish gray with brown dots; a blackish blotch on basal half of first membrane of dorsal fin (Ref. 56651). |
| Biology: |
Occurs on deep reefs (Ref. 56651). Feeds on crustaceans and fishes (Ref. 89972). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 25 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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