Choerodon margaritiferus Fowler & Bean, 1928
Pearly tuskfish
Choerodon margaritiferus
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Bodianinae
Max. size:  11 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range - 72 m
Distribution:  Western Central Pacific: New Caledonia and the Philippines.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8. Head with a pale stripe directed horizontally forward from lower edge of eye extending around tip of snout and adjoining stripe from opposite side. Side of body with 2 pale stripes or horizontal series of spots. A pale stripe present midlaterally on caudal peduncle (perhaps extension of stripe anteriorly on side); an additional stripe located dorsally on caudal peduncle and side immediately below most of dorsal-fin base. Posterior edge of pectoral fins produced ventrally (ventralmost rays distinctly longer than those immediately above). Scales ventrally on cheek distinctly not extending forward to corner of mouth. (Ref 9823)
Biology:  Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). Poorly known and rarely seen but probably inhabits deep waters (Ref. 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 June 2008 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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