Tanaka's wrasse
📖 Overview
Tanaka's wrasse (Wetmorella tanakai) is a ray-finned fish of the family Labridae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in reef-associated environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 3.7 cm. It occurs at depths between 10 and 30 metres. With a trophic level of 3.2, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8; Vertebrae: 23. This species is distinct with the following characters: D IX, 10; A III, 8; pectoral rays 12; 14+6 lateral-line scales; 15-17 gill rakers; body depth 3.0-3.3 in SL; head length (HL) 2.35-2.4 in SL; snout length 3.2-3.25 in HL; interorbital width 4.5 in HL; longest dorsal spine 2.15 in HL; third anal spine 2.05 in HL; pectoral-fin length 2.2 in HL; pelvic-fin length 2.15 in HL; when fresh it is purplish red posteriorly, grading to orange-red anteriorly; the snout and ventral part of head usually light blue-green; across body with 3 narrow white bars, the first from below second dorsal spine to abdomen, the second from eighth dorsal spine to third anal spine, the third across caudal peduncle; from nape across head behind eye runs a slightly oblique narrow bar, a faint white line extending ventrally from anterior edge of orbit; anteriorly on soft portion of dorsal fin is an ocellated black spot as large as eye; a short oblique narrow white band from middle of soft portion of dorsal fin onto back; anteriorly on soft portion of anal fin is a small elliptical ocellus; bluish white pelvic fins with a very large black spot; no blackish spot ventrally on abdomen between pelvic fins .: short and / or deep.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Tanaka's wrasse is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 10 - 30 m . Tropical
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Tanaka's wrasse.
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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