Inhabit caves or crevices of lagoon and seaward reefs and drop-offs . Benthic and benthopelagic . Specimens usually taken at depths of at least 30 m. Secretive .
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 11; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8; Vertebrae: 23. Closely resembles juveniles of Cheilinus fasciatus and Epibulus insidiator. Since they have broadly overlapping meristics, color pattern is the only reliable distinguishing character . Body of adults when fresh grayish brown, becoming reddish brown on mid side and ventrally on some specimens. Head with narrow, diagonal pale bands radiating from the orbit; iris bluish with reddish inner rim and an upper and lower streak of pale yellow. A large black spot covering more than half of pelvic fin. One predorsal bone. Premaxilla protractile. Spinous portions of dorsal and anal fins deeply incised.: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
Behavioural data for Whitebanded sharpnose wrasse is currently being reviewed.
Diet information for Whitebanded sharpnose wrasse is currently being compiled.
Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding .
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 8 - 42 m , usually 30 - ? m. Tropical; 28°N - 24°S East Africa to the Hawaiian and Society islands, south to the Great Barrier Reef; Pohnpei and Marshall Islands in Micronesia.
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