Bodianus flavifrons Gomon, 2001
Masked pigfish

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Bodianinae
Max. size:  42.2 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range 114 - 340 m
Distribution:  Southwest Pacific: off eastern Australia and New Caledonia, on the Lord Howe Ridge, and on the Kermadec Ridge northeast of New Zealand.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 11-11. Predorsal scales 16-23, reaching forward just in advance of vertical through posterior margin of orbit; cheek scales extending forward slightly in advance of corner of mouth; scales absent on lower jaw; teeth on dental ridge of each jaw in a single row, those anteriorly small but distinct, close behind and in line with prominent anterior canines; posterior tips of dorsal and anal fins rounded; caudal fin truncate to slightly rounded; pink above and white below with two or three broad yellow stripes crossing snout and forehead; black spot on membrane between anteriormost dorsal fin spines; red blotch dorsally on pectoral fin base; pectoral fin somewhat yellowish basally (Ref. 44106).
Biology:  Benthic species which is found on the continental shelf and continental slope (Ref. 75154). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 April 2008 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.