| Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Xyrichtyinae |
| 26 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
|
reef-associated; marine; depth range - 64 m |
| Indo-West Pacific. |
|
Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-12; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 12-12. Identified by the thin but distinct blue line from the front of the eye to end of mouth and large individuals by the black elongate spot at the end of the anal fin (Ref. 48636). |
| Occurs on upper part of sand and mud banks, usually on reef flat areas, just before sloping down in depths from 7 m down to about 15 m. Found in spread out groups, often with X. pentadactylus in the same general area, but this species grows much larger and dominates (Ref. 48636). Dives into sand to sleep safely at night or to hide when alarmed (Ref. 90102). But the biggest males swim over large areas and move away quickly when approached by divers rather than diving into the bottom (Ref. 48636). |
|
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 25 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
| harmless |
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