Leptojulis polylepis Randall, 1996
Smallscale wrasse
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses)
Max. size:  10 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 20 - 46 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-11; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 11-11. A slender finely-scaled species with a distinct small black spot on side, at eye level, just past the pectoral fin (Ref. 48636).
Biology:  Found solitary or in small groups (Ref. 90102) on coastal slopes with sparse reef formation, inhabiting the open areas (Ref. 48636); also on silty sand or mud bottoms. Feeds on benthic crustaceans (other stomach contents were polychaete remains and fish scales) (Ref. 12420).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 25 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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