Monsoon Fairy-wrasse
📖 Overview
Collected and observed in depths of about 18-37 m; the habitat appears to be localized to sloping rubble bottoms with scattered, low outcrops of rock or coral and occasional large coral outcrops .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9; Vertebrae: 25. This species is distinguished by the following characters: D XI,9; A III,9; pectoral-fin rays 15; lateral-line scales 15-17 + 4-8; median predorsal scales 4-5; single horizontal scale rows on cheek below eye; gill rakers 11-14 (usually 13); body depth 3.3-4.0 in SL; head length 2.7-3.0 in SL; snout length 3.5-4.5 in HL; dorsal fin more or less uniform height except for elevated pennant comprised of membranous extension between 1st 2 spines, well-developed in mature males, 1.4-2.2 in HL; pelvic fins of male moderately elongate, reaching posteriorly to about base of 1st soft anal-fin ray, 2.6-3.2 in SL; caudal fin rounded; male in life mainly blackish on upper half of body and white below; upper half of head yellow orange; dorsal fin mainly blackish, anal fin scarlet red with row of blue spots at base; pelvic fins scarlet red with black area at base; pectoral fins with prominent black base; female in life yellow orange on upper 2/3 of head, grading to scarlet red on body; lower part of head, breast, and belly white; head and body with 4 narrow, lavender stripes; dorsal fin dusky red, yellowish basally, often with blackish or grey membrane between 1st 2 spines; anal and pelvic fins red-orange to pinkish; pectoral fins translucent with conspicuous yellow base . : fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Monsoon Fairy-wrasse is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 18 - 37 m . Tropical north of Darwin, Australia (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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