Description

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 8. Juveniles have a small black spot surrounded by a large gold blotch on the caudal peduncle (Ref. 37816); characterized further by the following: mauve or pale grey color with eight reddish brown stripes; blackish to brown caudal fin base; adults capable of quick color change; greatest depth of body 3.2-4.0 in SL (Ref. 90102).

Common Names

Taxonomic Hierarchy

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Teleostei

Order: Kurtiformes

Family: Apogonidae

Genus: Cheilodipterus

Species: Cheilodipterus artus Smith, 1961

Climate Zone

Location

• Indo-Pacific: East Africa to the Tuamoto Islands, north to Ryukyu Islands, south to the Great Barrier Reef.

Biology

Occurs in sheltered bays and lagoon patch reefs from 5 to at least 20 m, forming small, loose aggregates in caves or just above branches of certain corals (Ref. 1602). Feeds on small fishes (Ref. 37816).

Habitat

associated

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Threat to Humans

Harmless