Sand wrasse

📖 Overview

Adults are found over open sand bottom, in small, swift-swimming schools . Feed on zooplankton above the substratum . Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding .

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 12; Vertebrae: 25. Flexible anal fin spines; 19 or 20 + 5 or 6 pored lateral line scales with single horizontal tubule, ending in a pore; scales thin and rhomboidal, those of thorax and anterior abdomen smaller than those of side of body; head naked except for 2 small scales dorsally on opercle and diagonal row of 5 partially embedded scales behind eye; no median predorsal scales; 3 small median prepelvic scales; anterior third of prepelvic region naked; branchiostegal rays 6; upper jaw strongly protrusible, median process of premaxilla extending to above anterior pupil edge; body moderately elongate, the depth 4.2-4.45 in SL; dorsal part of head from front of snout to origin of dorsal fin with a fleshy median ridge, the interorbital space high and triangular when viewed from the front; interorbital space narrowest anteriorly; caudal fin small, 1.45-1.65 in head length; pelvic fins small, 2.2-3.05 in head length .: elongated.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Sand wrasse is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; benthopelagic; depth range 7 - 18 m . Tropical Central Pacific: known only from O'ahu, Hawaiian Islands.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

👥 Community & Contribute