Blue Diesel Wrasse

Often with yellow back in deep water (Ref. 48636). Scales on lateral line: 50-52 (+2 past hypural) (Ref. 1602).

Bi-directional sex change has been confirmed for this species (Ref. 103751). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). Pelagic spawners. Sex reversal is completed in 14-18 days (Ref. 34185, 34258). A monandric species (Ref. 55367). Length at sex change = 8.8 cm TL (Ref. 55367). Monogamous mating is observed as both facultative and social (Ref. 52884).

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

Inhabits coral rich areas of inner lagoons and subtidal reef flats to seaward reefs (Ref. 1602). Feeds on crustacean ectoparasites and mucus of other fishes (Ref. 9823, 48636). Monogamous (Ref. 52884). Stays in stations where other fish come to be cleaned. Cleaning intensity is not related to client size or commonness (Ref. 28019). Cleaning stations are occupied by a pair of adults, a group of juveniles or a group of females accompanied by a dominant male where a female becomes a functional male if the dominant male disappears (Ref. 5503). An unfamiliar visitor is usually greeted by dance-like movements with the tail maneuvering the back part of the body up and down. Juveniles behave this way when divers approach closely (Ref. 48636). A small body size and the presence of a lateral stripes both contribute as long-distance signals of cleaning services for fish clients (Ref. 75868).

Inhabits coral rich areas of inner lagoons and subtidal reef flats to seaward reefs (Ref. 1602). Feeds on crustacean ectoparasites and mucus of other fishes (Ref. 9823, 48636). Monogamous (Ref. 52884). A protogynous hermaphrodite (Ref. 55367). Stays in stations where other fish come to be cleaned. Cleaning intensity is not related to client size or commonness (Ref. 28019). Cleaning stations are occupied by a pair of adults, a group of juveniles or a group of females accompanied by a dominant male where a female becomes a functional male if the dominant male disappears (Ref. 5503). Some adults solitary and territorial. An unfamiliar visitor is usually greeted by dance-like movements with the tail maneuvering the back part of the body up and down. Juveniles behave this way when divers approach closely (Ref. 48636). Minimum depth range of 1 meter in Ref. 27115.

fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial