Halichoeres zeylonicus (Bennett, 1833)
Goldstripe wrasse
Halichoeres zeylonicus
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Corinae
Max. size:  20 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 10 - 40 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: Persian Gulf (Ref.80050); Red Sea and the Gulf to Samoa, north to southern Japan, south to the Great Barrier Reef (Ref. 9710). Western Indian Ocean: Mozambique (Ref. 41878).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-11; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 11-11. Females light bluish gray dorsally, white ventrally, with a narrow orange stripe running from the top of the snout to the upper base of the caudal fin (where it may contain a blackish spot). Males blue-green on head and anterior portions of the body with irregular pink band and spots; their orange-yellow lateral stripe blue-edged, often with narrow extensions; a blue-edged spot at the upper portion of the pectoral fin base, and two or more similar blue-edged spots just anterior of the caudal peduncle above the lateral stripe.
Biology:  Inhabits open sand and rubble areas of seaward reefs, to depths greater than 34 m (Ref. 9710). Usually in small groups of females with single males patrolling the area (Ref. 48636).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 25 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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