Halichoeres leucurus (Walbaum, 1792)
Greyhead wrasse
Labayan,  Lulukdayan,  Balaki,  Bankilan,  Banog,  Bugok,  Bungat,  Buyos,  Danlugan,  Halobong,  Isdang bato,  Kamang,  Labayan,  Lampalampa,  Lubay,  Lubay-lubay,  Lubayan,  Lugay-lugay,  Maming,  Maringyan,  Molmol,  Mul-mul,  Pilo-pilo,  Pirat-pirat
photo by Kuiter, R.H.

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Corinae
Max. size:  13 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 15 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Philippines to New Guinea, north to the Yaeyama Islands, south to Flores, Indonesia. Palau in Micronesia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-13; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 13-13. Males recognized by the grey-looking head when seen in natural light. Body with lined pattern until female stage. Males with orange spots along scale rows (Ref. 48636).
Biology:  Found in coral-rich lagoon and inner channel reefs to at least 15 m depth (Ref. 34765); in mixed coral and algae habitats (Ref. 48636). May be found solitary or in pairs (Ref. 90102). Feeds on small benthic invertebrates.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 25 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:  Recorded in TaƱon Strait (Ref. 107276). Known from Sibuyan, Romblon (Ref. 58652), Calamianes (Ref. 48613) and Tawi-Tawi Bay (Ref. 59110). Also Ref. 9710.


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