Polynesian Wrasse

This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following characters: body elongate with greatest body depth 22.6-25.3% SL; D IX,11; A III,12; pectoral-fin rays 13; tubed lateral-line scales 28. Colouration: interspinous membrane between anterior two to three spines of dorsal fin has a black spot; males with head yellow and extensively reticulate; abdominal region behind pelvic and pectoral fins is orange to orange-pink with yellow crosshatch markings; posterior part of body purple black; females are distinctly bicolored, orange-brown dorsally, white ventrally (Ref. 123182).

Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205).

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 12; Vertebrae: 25

Inhabits clear seaward reefs (Ref. 37816). Found well above the bottom of exposed seaward reefs and clear lagoons (Ref. 9710).

Found well above the bottom of exposed seaward reefs (Ref. 9710) away from lagoons and sheltered bays (Ref. 123182). Feeds on small invertebrates (Ref. 89972).