Tailspot wrasse

📖 Overview

The collection site was a large, even plain, ca. 21-22 m deep, on volcanic gravel-rubble surrounded by lava boulders and with a few boulders dispersed in among the dark bottom, patches of white gravel were interspersed among the dark volcanic gravel-rubble areas. Juveniles and smaller IP fish were found generally just off the bottom around boulders and over lighter patches of gravel, while larger IP and TP individuals were observed slightly higher in the water column around the boulders on the eastern edge of the plain .

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 12. This species is distinguished by the following characters: D IX,12; A III,12; pectoral-fin rays 13; lateral-line pored scales 26 (+1 on caudal-fin base); suborbital pores 6; gill rakers 14-16; a pair of large, projecting, and slightly recurved canine teeth anteriorly in each jaw, the lowers curving forward, fitting between uppers when mouth closed, a second pair of canines about half size of first, followed by rows of mostly caniniform teeth, no canine posteriorly at corner of mouth; body elongate, depth 3.6-4.2 in SL. width 2.2-3.0 in depth; caudal fin slightly rounded. Colouration: TP vermilion on head to orangish-brown on body, yellow-cream ventrally with a dark cross-hatch pattern outlining scales, opercular flap diffusely dark and purple; a prominent large black blotch covering rear caudal peduncle and proximal half of caudal fin, a pale patch over mid-abdominal area underlying pectoral fin; a small black spot on first dorsal-fin membrane; IP and juvenile fish grey ventrally becoming yellowish posteriorly with a broad midlateral red band from snout to caudal peduncle, often breaking up into horizontal block segments, including a distinct black crescent or oval spot on expanded soft flap of upper operculum, and ending in a horizontal oblong black spot at caudal-fin base; a similar narrower band runs along upper body below base of dorsal fin from snout to upper caudal peduncle; fins clear except for a large oblong black spot, edged in yellow dorsally, centered over membranes of last dorsal-fin spine and first three rays and extending partially onto upper body (present in both juvenile and IP adults) .: elongated; Cross section: compressed.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Tailspot wrasse is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; reef-associated; depth range 21 - 22 m . Tropical

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

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