Corkwing Wrasse

A few cephalic pores (7-12) on snout. Lips with 5-7 folds. Scales on temporo-occipital surface 3-5 rows; on inter-operculum 2-3 (6-13) scales; on cheek 4-7; behind eye 1. A small dark spot on caudal peduncle. Often 5 large brown blotches near dorsal fin. Females and young: with numerous spots on body more or less longitudinally lined, some sinuous lines on head (Ref. 231). Coloration very variable; ground color of the male is greenish or blue while females are brownish to yellowish (Ref. 35388).

Sex reversal sometimes observed. Seaweed nest built by male among rocks or in crevices (Ref. 4742). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205).

Dorsal spines (total): 14 - 17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8 - 10; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 8 - 11

More or less gregarious, old and young specimens mixed. Feeds mainly on bivalves (Ref. 46112).

This schooling, territorial fish occurs in the littoral zone, near rocks and eel-grass beds, also in lagoons. In summer ripe females show short ovipositor. Seaweed nest built by male among rocks or in crevices. Sex reversal sometimes observed. Feed on mollusks, hydroids, bryozoans, worms and various crustaceans (Ref. 4742). Males grow faster than females (Ref. 4742). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205).

fisheries: subsistence fisheries; gamefish: yes; aquarium: public aquariums