Halichoeres chloropterus (Bloch, 1791)
Description
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 11; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 10 - 11; Vertebrae: 25. Usually bright green in algae habitat, but pale or with longitudinal dark bands on plain rubble (Ref. 48636). Head of male with intricate reticulate pattern of bands that varies from one individual to another; small blackish spot on anus. Juveniles and females with dark dots dorsally and posteriorly; these are lost in males. Anterior lateral line scales with 1-3 pores; 8-13 suborbital pores. Anterior dorsal and anal soft rays longer than posterior rays; male pelvic fins not reaching the anus.
Common Names
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Teleostei
Order: Eupercaria/misc
Family: Labridae
Genus: Halichoeres
Species: Halichoeres chloropterus (Bloch, 1791)
Climate Zone
Location
Biology
Inhabits shallow protected coral reefs and nearby silty sand and rubble bottoms (Ref. 2334). Feeds mainly on hard-shelled prey, including mollusks, crustaceans and sea urchins (Ref. 9823).
Habitat
associated