| Family: |
Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Cheilininae |
| Max. size: |
20 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 20 m |
| Distribution: |
Indo-Pacific: East Africa to New Britain and the Marquesan (?) Islands, north to southern Japan, south to Lord Howe Island. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-12; Anal spines: 2-3; Anal soft rays: 9-12. Differs from C. praetextatus by having 12 instead of 13 dorsal rays, dark brown markings on the head and body, and lacking the small black spot on the upper base of the caudal fin (Ref. 1602). |
| Biology: |
A solitary species (Ref. 90102) common over sandy areas of reef flats and shallow sandy lagoons to a depth of at least 6 m. Also found in estuaries. Feeds on benthic invertebrates (Ref. 89972). Usually in current zones such as tidal channels. Juveniles often with small outcrops of rubble and algae or around the edges of sparse seagrasses (Ref. 48636). The species is capable of diving into sand when threatened. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 25 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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