Overview
Comprehensive Description
Biology
Adults inhabit coral reefs and adjacent rubble, sand and seagrass habitats (typically along the edges of coral rich fringing reef slopes, Ref. 9710). Feed mainly on hard-shelled invertebrates, especially mollusks (Ref. 5374). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205).
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Randall, J.E. 1986 Red Sea reef fishes. London, Immel Publishing. 192 p. (Ref. 8883)
http://www.fishbase.org/references/FBRefSummary.php?id=8883&speccode=56240
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Distribution
Range Description
This species is found in the Red Sea, Horn of Africa, coasts of Yemen, Oman and the mouth of the Arabian Gulf.
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Distribution
Djibouti, Eritrea, Red Sea, Seychelles, Somalia
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Randall, J.E. (1992). Red Sea Reef Fishes. Immel Publishing.
http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=sourcedetails&id=6091
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Anon. (2000). FishBase 2000 [CD-ROM]. ICLARM: Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines. 4 cd-roms pp.
http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=sourcedetails&id=6542
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Smith, J.L.B. & M.M. Smith (1963). The fishes of Seychelles. Department of Ichthyology, Rhodes University. Grahamstown.
http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=sourcedetails&id=5926
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World Register of Marine Species
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Western Indian Ocean: Red Sea to the Gulf of Oman.
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Randall, J.E. 1986 Red Sea reef fishes. London, Immel Publishing. 192 p. (Ref. 8883)
http://www.fishbase.org/references/FBRefSummary.php?id=8883&speccode=56240
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Physical Description
Size
Max. size
50.0 cm TL (male/unsexed; (Ref. 8883))
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Randall, J.E. 1986 Red Sea reef fishes. London, Immel Publishing. 192 p. (Ref. 8883)
http://www.fishbase.org/references/FBRefSummary.php?id=8883&speccode=56240
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Diagnostic Description
Description
Occurs on coral reefs and adjacent rubble, sand and seagrass habitats (typically along the edges of coral rich fringing reef slopes, Ref. 9710). Feeds mainly on hard-shelled invertebrates , especially molluscs (Ref. 5374).
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Anon. (1996). FishBase 96 [CD-ROM]. ICLARM: Los Baños, Philippines. 1 cd-rom pp.
http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=sourcedetails&id=5909
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World Register of Marine Species
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Ecology
Habitat
Habitat and Ecology
Habitat and Ecology
Systems
This species inhabits coral reefs and adjacent rubble, sand and seagrass habitats typically along the edges of coral rich fringing reef slopes, (Lieske and Myers 1994). It feeds mainly on hard-shelled invertebrates, especially mollusks (Gomon and Randall 1984). It is generally associated in colonies of 4-8 individuals with single large males.
Preliminary demographic work (J.H. Choat, pers. comm. 2008) shows Oman populations have maximum age of 19 years and a rapid growth rate in males to ~55cm TL. It is protogynous. Primary and initial color phases Randall (1995). Juveniles are found in shallower water. Adult depth distribution ranges from 5-45m.
It has many similar characteristics to Cheilinus undulatus (large size rapid growth of males, low densities) but maximum size and age are smaller and younger.
Preliminary demographic work (J.H. Choat, pers. comm. 2008) shows Oman populations have maximum age of 19 years and a rapid growth rate in males to ~55cm TL. It is protogynous. Primary and initial color phases Randall (1995). Juveniles are found in shallower water. Adult depth distribution ranges from 5-45m.
It has many similar characteristics to Cheilinus undulatus (large size rapid growth of males, low densities) but maximum size and age are smaller and younger.
Systems
- Marine
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Depth range based on 7 specimens in 1 taxon.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 2 samples.
Environmental ranges
Depth range (m): 2 - 7
Temperature range (°C): 26.151 - 26.151
Nitrate (umol/L): 3.114 - 3.114
Salinity (PPS): 36.032 - 36.032
Oxygen (ml/l): 4.462 - 4.462
Phosphate (umol/l): 0.546 - 0.546
Silicate (umol/l): 4.277 - 4.277
Graphical representation
Depth range (m): 2 - 7
Note: this information has not been validated. Check this *note*. Your feedback is most welcome.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 2 samples.
Environmental ranges
Depth range (m): 2 - 7
Temperature range (°C): 26.151 - 26.151
Nitrate (umol/L): 3.114 - 3.114
Salinity (PPS): 36.032 - 36.032
Oxygen (ml/l): 4.462 - 4.462
Phosphate (umol/l): 0.546 - 0.546
Silicate (umol/l): 4.277 - 4.277
Graphical representation
Depth range (m): 2 - 7
Note: this information has not been validated. Check this *note*. Your feedback is most welcome.
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Depth: 2 - 30m.
From 2 to 30 meters.
Habitat: reef-associated.
From 2 to 30 meters.
Habitat: reef-associated.
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Environment
reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 30 m (Ref. 9710)
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Lieske, E. and R. Myers 1994 Collins Pocket Guide. Coral reef fishes. Indo-Pacific & Caribbean including the Red Sea. Haper Collins Publishers, 400 p. (Ref. 9710)
http://www.fishbase.org/references/FBRefSummary.php?id=9710&speccode=13770
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Trophic Strategy
Inhabits coral reefs and adjacent rubble, sand and seagrass habitats (typically along the edges of coral rich fringing reef slopes ). Feeds mainly on hard-shelled invertebrates, especially mollusks.
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Randall, J.E. 1986 Red Sea reef fishes. London, Immel Publishing. 192 p. (Ref. 8883)
http://www.fishbase.org/references/FBRefSummary.php?id=8883&speccode=56240
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FishBase
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Life History and Behavior
Life Cycle
Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205).
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Breder, C.M. and D.E. Rosen 1966 Modes of reproduction in fishes. T.F.H. Publications, Neptune City, New Jersey. 941 p. (Ref. 205)
http://www.fishbase.org/references/FBRefSummary.php?id=205&speccode=1256
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Conservation
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List Assessment
Red List Category
LC
Least Concern
Red List Criteria
Version
3.1
Year Assessed
2010
Assessor/s
Choat, J.H.
Reviewer/s
Sadovy, Y. & Carpenter, K.E.
Contributor/s
Justification
This species is a large wrasse with a restricted distribution in the Arabian peninsular. There is little published information on its abundance and demography. It is fished over its range mostly for subsistence fishing although this is not thought to be a major threat. It is therefore listed as Least Concern.
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Trends
Population
Population
Population Trend
This species is a north-western Indian Ocean and Red Sea endemic with a restricted range size. It is another one of the big wrasses which has a very low abundance on the local scale and in this case a limited geographical distribution (J.H. Choat pers. comm. 2008).
There are few estimates of abundance but as with most large wrasses, species is rare. Abundance in the Red Sea ranges from 0.1 to 1.7 per hectare. It is more abundant on the coast of Oman (up to three per hectare JHC unpublished).
It does not extend into the central and northern reaches of the Arabian Gulf (A.M. Ayling pers. comm. 2008).
There are few estimates of abundance but as with most large wrasses, species is rare. Abundance in the Red Sea ranges from 0.1 to 1.7 per hectare. It is more abundant on the coast of Oman (up to three per hectare JHC unpublished).
It does not extend into the central and northern reaches of the Arabian Gulf (A.M. Ayling pers. comm. 2008).
Population Trend
Unknown
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Threats
Threats
Major Threats
There are no major threats known for this species.
This species is impacted by subsistence line and trap fishing. It is usually present in low numbers in the Muscat fish market. Low fishing pressure must be evaluated in the context of local rarity and a restricted geographic range.
This species is impacted by subsistence line and trap fishing. It is usually present in low numbers in the Muscat fish market. Low fishing pressure must be evaluated in the context of local rarity and a restricted geographic range.
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Least Concern (LC)
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IUCN 2006 2006 IUCN red list of threatened species. www.iucnredlist.org. Downloaded July 2006.
http://www.fishbase.org/references/FBRefSummary.php?id=57073
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Management
Conservation Actions
Conservation Actions
There are no specific conservation measures in place for this species.
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Relevance to Humans and Ecosystems
Benefits
Importance
fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: commercial
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Burgess, W.E., H.R. Axelrod and R.E. Hunziker III 1990 Dr. Burgess's atlas of marine aquarium fishes. T.F.H. Publications, Inc., Neptune City, New Jersey. 768 p.
http://www.fishbase.org/references/FBRefSummary.php?id=9210
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Gomon, M.F. and J.E. Randall 1984 Labridae. In W. Fischer and G. Bianchi (eds.) FAO species identification sheets for fishery purposes. Western Indian Ocean fishing area 51. Vol. 2. (Ref. 5374)
http://www.fishbase.org/references/FBRefSummary.php?id=5374&speccode=14328
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