Adults inhabit shallow coral reefs, often in weedy areas . Feed on benthic invertebrates. Expatriate juveniles are transported by currents to subtropical zones during pelagic stages . Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding . Occasionally seen in fish markets or aquarium trade.
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11 - 13; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 11 - 13. Color of Philippine `pterophthalmus' form very dark olive-brown; scales with reddish margins; body without markings. Male form (painting) reddish brown, each scale with a vertical blue line; irregular blue lines on head and thorax; median fins with spots or stripes and colored margins. Dorsal spines pungent. Caudal fin rounded in juveniles. Juveniles with large ocelli at the ends of the dorsal and anal fins .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
Behavioural data for Geographic wrasse is currently being reviewed.
Pelagic spawner . Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding . Protogyny was proposed but not confirmed .
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 25 m . Tropical; 28°N - 32°S West Pacific: Mauritius to Fiji, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to Western Australia and the Great Barrier Reef.
benthic invertebrates
The following diseases are known to affect Geographic wrasse.
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