Stethojulis interrupta (Bleeker, 1851)
Cutribbon wrasse
Stethojulis interrupta
photo by Field, R.

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Corinae
Max. size:  15.6 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range - 18 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: Persian Gulf (Ref.80050); Red Sea and East Africa to Papua New Guinea, south to Lord Howe Island. Unknown from Micronesia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-11; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 11-11. True form has interrupted mid-lateral stripe. Female with yellow stripe from the tip of snout to just past axil, running below eye where pale silvery-blue; male with continuous mid-lateral line and dark 'ear' (Ref. 48636).
Biology:  Coastal to outer reef crests. In Japan, it is found in areas of mixed sand, rock and coral (Ref. 9710). Occurs in small groups to about 20 m depth (Ref. 48636). Feeds by sorting small animals from mouthfuls of sand and detritus.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 July 2008 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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