Spinster wrasse
📖 Overview
Found over sand and gravel bottoms near coral reefs. Adults are solitary but juveniles form aggregations, sometimes with other species of wrasses. Feeds on mollusks, brittle stars, sea urchins and crabs. Hides under the sand to sleep and to seek shelter, in cases of danger.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Body moderately slender and compressed; head somewhat small and pointed; teeth caniniform, enlarged, and somewhat crooked, two anterior pairs in each jaw; posterior end of upper jaw with one protruding, forward directed canine on each side; dorsal fin continuous, with 9 spines; lateral line with 28 scales; body blue green, with a dark, vertical bar near posterior edge of pectoral fin, preceded by a very marked yellow spot; all fins except pectorals, blue, speckled with red or light colored spots and stripes .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Spinster wrasse is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Spinster wrasse is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Distinct pairing during breeding .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 3 - 53 m , usually 3 - 27 m . Tropical; 32°N - 1°S
🌿 Ecology
mollusks, brittle stars, sea urchins and crabs
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Halichoeres macgregori | Gilbert & Starks | 1904 | Synonym |
| Halichoeres sellifer | Gilbert | 1890 | Synonym |
| Halichoeres stictus | Fowler | 1944 | Synonym |
| Halichoeres stigmasepia | Fowler | 1944 | Synonym |
| Julidio maculosus | Clark | 1936 | Synonym |
| Platyglossus nicholsi | Jordan & Gilbert | 1882 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 11 records indexed .
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