Cheiloprion labiatus (Day, 1877)
Big-lip damsel
Cheiloprion labiatus
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Pomacentridae (Damselfishes), subfamily: Pomacentrinae
Max. size:  6 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 3 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: Sri Lanka to the Solomon Islands, north to the Philippines, south to Vanuatu and northern Australia; Palau in Micronesia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 13-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-14; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 13-14. Description: Overall brown, body portion near base of soft dorsal fin often darker (Ref. 90102). The white and curled back lips are distinctive, particularly in large individuals. Juveniles are dull orange while adults are dark brown (Ref. 1602).
Biology:  Found usually among beds of branching corals in shallow lagoon reefs, singly or in small groups (Ref. 4966). Feed primarily on the polyps of Acropora corals. Diurnal species (Ref. 113699). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate (Ref. 205). Males guard and aerate the eggs (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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