Found in sheltered inner reefs amongst broken coral and rubble. Usually seen in less than 10 m depth, staying well hidden in reefs, but sometimes swimming amongst the long-spined Diadema urchins or in thick algae coverage .
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9 - 10. This species differs from P. cryptus by having a concave rather than straight dorsal head profile, a higher modal gill raker count, and a series of five well-defined dark brown spots on the mid lateral line (these spots may be present on some P. cryptus, but are never well-defined). Best identified by the thin white barring on dorsal fin and upper sides . SL to 57 mm.: fusiform / normal.
Behavioural data for Sneaky wrasse is currently being reviewed.
Diet information for Sneaky wrasse is currently being compiled.
Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding .
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 2 - 12 m . Tropical; 19°N - 12°S Central Pacific: Indonesia, Philippines, Solomon Islands, New Guinea and Palau.
No observations yet — be the first to log one!
View all observations for Sneaky wrasse ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.