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Rückenflossenstacheln (insgesamt) : 9; Rückenflossenweichstrahlen (insgesamt) : 10; Afterflossenstacheln: 3; Afterflossenweichstrahlen: 8. This species is distinguished by the following characters: body moderately deep, its depth 2.3-2.6 times in standard length; dorsal profile of head convex; anterior tip of snout forming an acute angle; jaws prominent, 2 strong canines situated anteriorly in each jaw; no enlarged tooth present of rear of upper jaw. D IX,10, the spines and anterior soft rays of similar length; A III,8; pectoral fins with ii unbranched and 10 branched rays; pelvic fins long, reaching anus in small fish, well beyond in adults; centre of caudal fin rounded in adults, with the upper and lower rays forming elongate lobes giving the fin a trilobed appearance; lateral line interrupted below posterior portion of dorsal-fin base, with a total of 22-23 pored scales; scales reaching well onto bases of dorsal and anal fins; scales in front of dorsal fin extending forward to above centre of eye; cheek and opercle scaly; lower jaw without scales. Colour of the body variably pigmented from green to brown with mottled purple and red markings; 4 vertical dark bars on body that are often indistinct on large individuals; head with numerous small red spots; red lines radiating from anterior and posterior of eye; scales on sides each with a vertical, slightly curved red line; dorsal, anal, and pectoral fins yellow or green with distal red streaks; caudal fin green with a red posterior margin; juveniles with 3-4 dark spots midlaterally on sides and more prominent dark bars. This species capable of rapid colour changes (Ref. 9823). Body shape (shape guide): short and / or deep; Cross section: oval.
Adults inhabit lagoon and seaward reefs at depths of 1 to over 30 m, and relatively common along shallow reef margins with good coral cover (Ref. 9710). Usually solitary (Ref. 5213). Feed mainly on shelled benthic invertebrates such as mollusks and crustaceans, but occasionally take fishes (Ref. 1602). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). Difficult to approach (Ref. 9710). Juveniles secretive on algae reefs and usually around stinging hydrozoans (Ref. 48636).
Westneat, M.W., 2001. Labridae. Wrasses, hogfishes, razorfishes, corises, tuskfishes. p. 3381-3467. In K.E. Carpenter and V. Niem (eds.) FAO species identification guide for fishery purposes. The living marine resources of the Western Central Pacific. Vol. 6. Bony fishes part 4 (Labridae to Latimeriidae), estuarine crocodiles. FAO, Rome. (Ref. 9823)
IUCN Rote Liste Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2 (Global))
