Halichoeres papilionaceus (Valenciennes, 1839)
Weed wrasse
Halichoeres papilionaceus
photo by Bos, A.R.

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Corinae
Max. size:  12 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 4 m
Distribution:  Western Central Pacific: Sumatra, Indonesia to the Santa Cruz Islands (Solomon Islands), north to the Philippines. Palau in Micronesia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-12; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 12-12
Biology:  Found in shallow sheltered rocky areas and reef flats (Ref. 34765), also in seagrass beds and weedy areas, solitary or in small groups (Ref. 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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