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Pteragogus guttatus (Fowler & Bean, 1928) Sneaky wrasse |
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photo by
Randall, J.E. |
| Family: | Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Cheilininae | |||
| Max. size: | 9 cm TL (male/unsexed) | |||
| Environment: | reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 12 m | |||
| Distribution: | Western Central Pacific: Indonesia, Philippines, Solomon Islands, New Guinea and Palau. | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-10. This species differs from P. cryptus by having a concave rather than straight dorsal head profile, a higher modal gill raker count, and a series of five well-defined dark brown spots on the mid lateral line (these spots may be present on some P. cryptus, but are never well-defined). Best identified by the thin white barring on dorsal fin and upper sides (Ref. 48636). SL to 57 mm. | |||
| Biology: | Found in sheltered inner reefs amongst broken coral and rubble. Usually seen in less than 10 m depth, staying well hidden in reefs, but sometimes swimming amongst the long-spined Diadema urchins or in thick algae coverage (Ref. 48636). | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 25 March 2009 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||