Cheilodipterus arabicus (Gmelin 1789)

Color in life pale brown with 13-16 dark brown stripes. In large fish, dorsal stripes may be irregular. A small dark spot encircled by yellow area on caudal peduncle. Spot sometimes expanded to form a dark brown bar around caudal peduncle. Distinct snow white bar between dark caudal spot (or bar) and posterior ends of body stripes. First dorsal fin dusky to dark brown. Other fins pale (in young) to dusky (in adults), but never as dark as first dorsal fin. Snout somewhat darker than body (Ref 8525).

Mouthbrooders (Ref. 240). Distinct pairing during courtship and spawning (Ref. 205).

Found in corals or in caves (Ref. 9137).

A common species found in small aggregations around corals (Ref. 9710).