Blackstripe Wrasse

Recognized by the thin mid-lateral stripe and elongated blotch at front of dorsal fin between 1st and 3rd spines (Ref. 48636). Body covered with relatively large scales; large canine teeth in the front of jaws.

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

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 8 - 11

Found solitary (Ref. 90102) in caves of steep outer reef drop-offs from 25 to at least 46 m (Ref. 1602) with rich invertebrate growth such as large gorgonians or soft corals (Ref. 48636). Feeds mainly on fishes, shrimps and other crustaceans (Ref. 9823).

Found solitary (Ref. 90102) in caves of steep outer reef drop-offs from 25 to at least 46 m (Ref. 1602) with rich invertebrate growth such as large gorgonians or soft corals (Ref. 48636). Feeds mainly on fishes, shrimps and other crustaceans (Ref. 9823).

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