| Family: |
Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Cirrhilabrinae |
| Max. size: |
9.5 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 67 m |
| Distribution: |
Indo-Pacific. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-10; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-9. This species can be distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: D X, 9-10; GR 10-15 (modally 12, rarely 14 or 15); D-X relatively short, measuring 14.3-20.6% of SL (mean 17.0%); longest pelvic-fin soft ray length 16.5-24.3% of SL (20.4%); dorsal profile of head straight; presence of filamentous membrane tips on the first 2-3 dorsal-fin spines in terminal phase males; anal-fin spines with relatively short filamentous membrane tips. Colouration: Body typically reddish-brown, with no black spots on abdomen; dark brown margin in anterior nostril, with large circular or elliptical dark brown blotch (roughly eye size) surrounded by faint yellow or orange on upper opercle; dark brown spot typically below the base of last D soft ray; a few small dark brown spots on mid-lateral surface of body; three slightly curved bluish-gray vertical lines usually on cheek below eye when the specimen is fresh; distinct white stripe usually on head extending from snout tip to upper end of opercle through upper part of iris (visible in fresh or live specimen); a dark brown spot on the membrane between 1st and 2nd D spines (sometimes indistinct in life); usually pale reddish-white with a broad reddish-brown band medially pelvic fin coloration (Ref. 130185). |
| Biology: |
This species is typically found in coral reef habitats along the shore, including lagoons, patch reefs, and pinnacle reefs, where it takes shelter among soft corals and benthic algae (Refs. 649, 2334). It also inhabits areas with coral rubble, sandy substrates, and both live and dead corals (Ref. 649) |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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