Teleostei (teleosts) >
Eupercaria/misc (Various families in series Eupercaria) >
Labridae (Wrasses) > Cheilininae
Etymology: Cheilinus: Greek, cheilos = lip (Ref. 45335).
More on author: Bloch.
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 30 m (Ref. 9823). Tropical; 32°N - 36°S, 25°E - 132°W
Indo-Pacific: East Africa to the Marquesan and Tuamoto islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to New Caledonia and Rapa.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ? range ? - ? cm
Max length : 45.0 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 9710)
Dorsal spines (total): 10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8 - 9; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8. The only Cheilinus that has 10 dorsal spines. Exhibits a coloration very similar to C. trilobatus, but has black and white specks on its pelvic, anal and caudal fins, while C. trilobatus has vertical red, white and black streaks on its body scales. Large adults of both species have numerous red spots and streaks on the head and trilobed caudal fins.
Body shape (shape guide): fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
Adults inhabit lagoon and coastal reefs, in areas with mixed sand, rubble, and coral (Ref. 9710). Occasionally in grassy areas. Feed mainly on benthic invertebrates such as mollusks and crustaceans. Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205).
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205).
Westneat, M.W., 2001. Labridae. Wrasses, hogfishes, razorfishes, corises, tuskfishes. p. 3381-3467. In K.E. Carpenter and V. Niem (eds.) FAO species identification guide for fishery purposes. The living marine resources of the Western Central Pacific. Vol. 6. Bony fishes part 4 (Labridae to Latimeriidae), estuarine crocodiles. FAO, Rome. (Ref. 9823)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: commercial
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