Gomphosus caeruleus Lacepède, 1801
Green birdmouth wrasse
photo by Kochzius, M.

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses)
Max. size:  32 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 35 m
Distribution:  Indian Ocean: East Africa south to Natal, South Africa (Ref. 4392) and east to the Andaman Sea.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 8-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-13; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 11-11. Readily identified by the long snout when adult and distinguished from sibling by color or geography (Ref. 48636).
Biology:  A solitary species (Ref. 90102) that inhabits coral-rich areas of lagoon and seaward reefs (Ref. 9710, 48636). Also in rocky reefs (Ref. 30573). Feeds on small invertebrates (Ref. 5374).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 May 2008 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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