- Checkerboard wrasse
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Checkerboard wrasse Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Perciformes Family: Labridae Genus: Halichoeres Species: Halichoeres hortulanus Binomial name Halichoeres hortulanus
Lacepède, 1801The checkerboard wrasse, (Halichoeres hortulanus) is a species of fish. It may also be known as the chequered wrasse or the wall wrasse[1].
Contents
Range
Red Sea to South Africa, north to southern Japan, south to the southern Great Barrier Reef.[1]
Description
Checkerboard pattern on sides, males are greener with a yellow dorsal spot. Small juveniles are black and white, gradually changing with growth to the adult pattern[1].
Diet
Mainly molluscs, crustaceans and sea urchins[1].
Habitat
Clear lagoons and seaward reefs from 1m-30m depth. Juveniles are found at the bottom of surge channels or under ledges. Males are territorial over a large area.[2]
References
- ^ a b c d Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2007). "Halichoeres hortulanus" in FishBase. 5 2007 version.
- ^ Lieske, E. and Myers, R.F. (2004) Coral reef guide; Red Sea London, HarperCollins ISBN 0-00-715986-2
Categories:- Labridae
- Fish of the Red Sea
- Fish of the Indian Ocean
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