Halichoeres chloropterus (Bloch, 1791)
Pastel-green wrasse
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Corinae
Max. size:  19 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 10 m
Distribution:  Western Central Pacific: Philippines to the Great Barrier Reef (Ref. 2334). Restricted to the Indo-Malayan region in the broad sense.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-11; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 10-11; Vertebrae: 25-25. Usually bright green in algae habitat, but pale or with longitudinal dark bands on plain rubble (Ref. 48636). Head of male with intricate reticulate pattern of bands that varies from one individual to another; small blackish spot on anus. Juveniles and females with dark dots dorsally and posteriorly; these are lost in males. Anterior lateral line scales with 1-3 pores; 8-13 suborbital pores. Anterior dorsal and anal soft rays longer than posterior rays; male pelvic fins not reaching the anus.
Biology:  Inhabits shallow protected coral reefs and nearby silty sand and rubble bottoms (Ref. 2334). Feeds mainly on hard-shelled prey, including mollusks, crustaceans and sea urchins (Ref. 9823).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 25 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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