| Family: |
Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Corinae |
| Max. size: |
18 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 4 - 15 m |
| Distribution: |
Pacific Ocean: Cocos (Ref. 9399) and Christmas (Ref. 30874) islands in the eastern Indian Ocean to the Hawaiian, Marquesan and Tuamoto islands, north to southern Japan, south to the Great Barrier Reef. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-12; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 12-12. Identified by the red-striped pattern and the two ocelli in the dorsal fin in juveniles and females. Another similar species in Japan that has a spotted tail and lacks the series of white blotches over the back (Ref. 48636). Juveniles closely resemble juveniles of H. biocellatus, but have a brighter metallic sheen to the rows of light green markings along the head and back (Ref. 37816). |
| Biology: |
Inhabits lagoon and seaward reefs, coral-rich areas with sand patches (Ref. 9710). Benthopelagic (Ref. 58302). Feeds primarily on small benthic crustaceans and mollusks (Ref. 3921). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 July 2010 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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