| Family: |
Labridae (Wrasses) |
| Max. size: |
91 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 11 kg; max. reported age: 23 years |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 30 m, |
| Distribution: |
Western Atlantic: Nova Scotia (Canada), Bermuda, and northern Gulf of Mexico to northern South America. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 14-14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-11; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 10-10. Deep-bodied wrasse with a strongly arched dorsal profile. First 3 dorsal spines filamentous. Only wrasse with elongate dorsal spines and such a highly arched profile (Ref. 26938). Color variable but generally mottled brownish red with a black spot at rear base of dorsal fin (Ref. 13442). |
| Biology: |
A large and economically valuable species, monandric and a protogynous hermaphrodite (Ref. 93709). Adults are found over open bottoms or coral reef areas (Ref. 5217). Often encountered where gorgonians are abundant (Ref. 13442). Feed mainly on mollusks, also crabs and sea urchins (Ref. 3726). Flesh highly esteemed; marketed fresh and frozen (Ref. 3726). Have been reared in captivity (Ref. 35420). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 04 February 2009 (A2bd) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
reports of ciguatera poisoning |
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