Bluehead Wrasse

Juveniles easily identified by the color pattern and rounded snout. Males become brightly colored and head usually green with a yellow band following on the body (Ref. 48636). Head naked, no scales dorsally on opercle. Initial phase with a broad blackish stripe from snout through eye to caudal-fin base (Ref 9823).

Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205).

Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 10 - 11

Occurs inshore (Ref. 75154).

Occurs in aggregations over shallow lagoon and seaward reefs (Ref. 9710) and on reef flats (Ref. 9823). Feeds mainly on crustacean zooplankton (Ref. 1602). Spawns at dusk above reefs (Ref. 90102). Rarely marketed (Ref. 2334).

fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial