Pteragogus guttatus (Fowler & Bean, 1928)
Sneaky wrasse
Pteragogus guttatus
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


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