Hologymnosus annulatus (Lacepède 1801)

Two-color forms: the 'true' species in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea and its sibling in the Pacific regions. Females look almost black; males mainly greenish with blue face, of which Indian form shows a white band central to the body, whilst the Pacific form a pale peduncular area when in nuptial mode (Ref. 48636). Juvenile H. annulatus very closely resemble juvenile Malacanthus latovittatus (Ref.1602). Poorly developed pharyngeal teeth (Ref. 1602).

Pelagic spawner.

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 12

Occur inshore (Ref. 75154). Found on coral reefs and rocky substrates to depths of at least 30 m. Juveniles generally solitary (Ref. 9710). Feed primarily on small fishes, also on crustaceans.

Found on coral reefs and rocky substrates to depths of at least 30 m (Ref. 9823) on offshore reef slopes (Ref. 90102). Juveniles generally solitary (Ref. 9710). Feeds primarily on small fishes, also on crustaceans (Ref. 2334).

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