Squire's fairy wrasse
📖 Overview
Squire's fairy wrasse (Cirrhilabrus squirei) is a ray-finned fish of the family Labridae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in reef-associated environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 5.6 cm. It occurs at depths between 28 and 65 metres. With a trophic level of 3.3, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms.
🔬 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 female paratype with XII,9); A III,9; pectoral rays 15; lateral line scales 17+7; median predorsal scales 5; horizontal rows of scales on cheek 2; gill rakers 13-15; body depth 2.85-3.40 in SL, width 1.95-2.15 in body depth; head length 2.75-2.90 in SL; snout length 4.1-4.4 in HL; short pelvic fin, not reaching base of the anal fin, 4.15-4.65 in SL; rounded to truncate caudal fin in females and moderately to strongly lunate in males, caudal concavity as great as 0.8 in head; large eye, orbit diameter 3.55-3.90 in HL; colour in life with body yellow shading yellow white on abdomen, 5 irregular red orange bands, yellow dorsal fin with spinous portion having dusky spots on outer part, black on the first membrane, a central lavender band becoming black toward soft rays and soft portion with a black central band abruptly translucent posteriorly, the anal fin yellow, soft portion with a broad lavender black central band becoming narrower on the spinous part, the caudal fin yellow with 7 dusky black tongue-shaped extensions on the innermost rays; colour when preserved, males pale yellow and bands mentioned above on dorsal, anal and caudal fins are dusky to black, paired fins translucent .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Squire's fairy wrasse is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 28 - 65 m . Tropical
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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