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Halichoeres podostigma (Bleeker, 1854) Axil spot wrasse |
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photo by
Randall, J.E. |
| Family: | Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Corinae | |||
| Max. size: | 18.5 cm SL (male/unsexed) | |||
| Environment: | reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 25 m | |||
| Distribution: | Western Central Pacific: known only from Indonesia and Philippines. | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-12; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 12-12; Vertebrae: 25-25. Live females pinkish anteriorly; a black on each scale except those on thorax and most of the abdomen; head light salmon; a small dark spot behind eye; a broad transverse black band at the middle of the pelvic fins. Head of male greenish with irregular light-red bands; no black band between pelvic fins. Anterior lateral line scales with 1-3 pores; 8-13 suborbital pores. Anterior dorsal and anal soft rays longer than posterior rays; pelvic fins of males reaching the anus. Juveniles recognized by the green tail (Ref. 48636). | |||
| Biology: | Inhabits outer reef flats and upper slopes of coastal reefs to depths over 25 m (Ref. 9710), with rich coral and hydrozoan growth. Found on sand-rubble fringe, coastal and lagoon reefs at 2-12 m (Ref. 90102). Usually seen solitary (Ref. 48636). | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 25 March 2009 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||