Cockerel Wrasse

It can be distinguished from the other species by its longitudinal lines along the body (Ref. 48636). Differs from P. cryptus and P. guttatus by having IX, 11 rather than X, 9-10 dorsal rays and males with filamentous extensions on first two rather than the first four interspinous dorsal membranes (Ref. 37816).

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

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

Found in various habitats from shallow algae reefs to deep offshore on soft bottom with sponges and hydroid colonies (Ref. 9002). Mostly small, secretive species, usually hiding among dense weeds (Ref. 9002). It rarely leaves its cover except to move quickly between hydrozoan colonies, but not before having a good look around first to make sure its safe (Ref. 48636).

Found in various habitats from shallow algae reefs to deep offshore on soft bottom with sponges and hydroid colonies (Ref. 9002). Mostly small, secretive species, usually hiding among dense weeds (Ref. 9002). It rarely leaves its cover except to move quickly between hydrozoan colonies, but not before having a good look around first to make sure its safe (Ref. 48636).

分布於西太平洋區，由印尼至珊瑚海，北至台灣、關島海域等，南至澳洲東南部。台灣南部、蘭嶼等海域有分布。

中小型之隆頭魚，體色鮮豔，是適合水族觀賞的魚類，非食用經濟魚種。臺灣分布較稀少。

體稍長；前鰓蓋骨具鋸齒緣；頰與鰓蓋被大形鱗；背鰭連續，前方數棘較高；胸鰭稍圓；側線完全，連續不間斷，在背鰭後部陡降。前鰓蓋骨具鋸齒緣；頰與鰓蓋被大形鱗。D. IX, 11；A. III, 9；背鰭前方數棘較高，雄魚第I-II棘延長為絲狀。體色多變，雄魚紅褐色至黄褐色，體具白色點狀列，但有時不顯；鰓蓋上形成一黑色眼斑。雌魚體色雷同，白色點狀列明顯。幼魚體色橄欖綠。

主要棲息於珊瑚礁海域，水深約2-20公尺間，特別喜歡在軟珊瑚較繁盛的礁區，或珊瑚區有繁盛的藻叢生長的水域。它們不像大多數急性子游動的隆頭魚親戚，游起泳來是慢條斯理的，以時停時游的優哉步調，晚上則安靜的躲到岩石下方或海藻中休憇。