|
Suezichthys gracilis (Steindachner & Döderlein, 1887) Slender wrasse |
|
|
photo by
Eric Keung@114°E Hong Kong Reef Fish Survey |
| Family: | Labridae (Wrasses) | |||
| Max. size: | 16 cm TL (male/unsexed) | |||
| Environment: | reef-associated; marine | |||
| Distribution: | Western Pacific: Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Viet Nam, New Caledonia, and Australia (Ref. 530). The only Indian Ocean record was that from the Persian Gulf (Ref. 11441). | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-11; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 10-10; Vertebrae: 25-25. Anterior part of dorsal fin unspotted in initial phase, but present in terminal phase; dark diagonal band or spots on caudal fin absent in T.P.; pectoral and pelvic fins translucent yellow. A dark yellowish green stripe from upper lip through eye to upper margin of the opercle; yellowish cheeks and lower jaw. 4-5 predorsal scales; 2-3 cheek scale rows behind eye; 3 cheek scale rows below eye. Scaly sheath at dorsal and anal fins' bases absent. Scales large. | |||
| Biology: | Found around coral and rock patches in shallow protected sandy areas (Ref. 9710). Amphipods, small crustaceans, and polychaetes have been reported from the stomachs of Japanese specimens. | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 July 2008 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||