Western Gregory

Diagnosis: Body and median fins generally brown to nearly black; body paler ventrally; fins grading to smoky gray distally. Margin of scales on sides with blackish streak, appearing as series of transverse bands; few small blue spots scattered on head and sides. Pelvic and anal fins bright blue anteriorly. Lips dusky brown (Ref. 510). Body depth 1.7-2.2 in SL (Ref. 90102).

Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate (Ref. 205). Males guard and aerate the eggs (Ref. 205).

Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14 - 16; Analspines: 2; Analsoft rays: 12 - 14

Occurs inshore (Ref. 75154). Found close to shore in rocky or dead reef areas where visibility is often reduced due to silting and wave action (Ref. 9710). Diurnal species (Ref. 113699).

Adults occur close to shore in rocky or dead reef areas where visibility is often reduced due to silting and wave action. Territorial, they maintain and 'weed' filamentous algae patches growing on dead coral (Ref. 9710). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate (Ref. 205). Males guard and aerate the eggs (Ref. 205).