Snooty Wrasse

Brownish red, mottled with small whitish spots; dark brown spot anteriorly on each side of upper lip; 2 dark lines diverging from the eye; dark brown spot on 1st 2 dorsal membranes (Ref. 4392). Deep-bodied for genus, and snout pointed (Ref. 48636).

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

Dorsal spines (total): 9 - 10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9 - 10; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 8

Occurs inshore (Ref. 75154).

Found in coral-rich areas of lagoon and seaward reefs at depths of 1 to over 40 m (Ref. 1602, 48636, 58534). A secretive species (Ref. 8631, 48636), rarely ventures more than a few centimeters from shelter (Ref. 1602). A shy species, usually found in pairs when adult (Ref. 48636). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205).

fisheries: minor commercial; price category: very high; price reliability: very questionable: based on ex-vessel price for species in this family