Doratonotus megalepis Günther, 1862
Dwarf wrasse
photo by Macieira, R.M.

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses)
Max. size:  9.4 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 10.8 g
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 15 m
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: Bermuda and southern Florida, USA to Brazil (Ref. 57756). Eastern Atlantic: Cape Verde Is, and São Tomé.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-9. Color primarily grass green; usually some scattered small white or pale blue spots on head and body; small reddish brown spot near upper edge of caudal fin and another near lower edge (Ref. 13442).
Biology:  Inhabits shallow beds of turtle grass (Thalassia). Common but seldom noticed (Ref. 9710).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 25 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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