Cheilinus oxycephalus Bleeker, 1853
Snooty wrasse
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Cheilininae
Max. size:  17 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 40 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: East Africa to the Marquesan and Society islands, north to Taiwan, south to the southern Great Barrier Reef and the Austral Islands.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-10; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Brownish red, mottled with small whitish spots; dark brown spot anteriorly on each side of upper lip; 2 dark lines diverging from the eye; dark brown spot on 1st 2 dorsal membranes (Ref. 4392). Deep-bodied for genus, and snout pointed (Ref. 48636).
Biology:  Found in coral-rich areas of lagoon and seaward reefs at depths of 1 to over 40 m (Ref. 1602, 48636, 58534). A secretive species (Ref. 8631, 48636), rarely ventures more than a few centimeters from shelter (Ref. 1602). A shy species, usually found in pairs when adult (Ref. 48636). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 128797.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 July 2008 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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