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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