Moon wrasse
📖 Overview
Occurs solitary or in groups in the upper portions of lagoon and coastal reefs, and in protected seaward reefs . Enters estuaries . Usually found on upper portions of ledges and heads . Feeds mainly on small benthic invertebrates and fish eggs . A protogynous hermaphrodite .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 11. Adults are identified by the yellow lunate tail. Large males turn blue on the head that grades to green towards the tail . Body dark green to blue with vertical red to purplish red lines. Head green to blue with irregular pink to violet bands. Adults with large yellow crescent posteriorly in caudal fin and blue pectoral fins with a large elongate pink area distally. Juveniles with a large dark spot in middle of dorsal fin and a large diffuse black spot at base of caudal fin (Ref 9823).: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Moon wrasse is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Moon wrasse is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
A diandric species . Length at sex change = 11.0 cm TL, forms leks during breeding .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 20 m , usually 1 - 20 m . Subtropical; 24°C - 28°C ; 32°N - 36°S, 24°E - 136°W East Africa (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
small benthic invertebrates and fish eggs (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 47 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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