dcsimg

Diagnostic Description

provided by Fishbase
Juveniles below about 8 cm are black with several horizontal white streaks. Larger ones up to about 20 cm uniformly dark, greenish brown, slowly becoming blue with age. Blue streak and patch extending behind the corner of the mouth of large males often quite brilliant. Uniformly yellowish-tan individuals rare. Caudal fin lunate in large terminal males. Scale rows on cheek 3. Median predorsal scales 3-4 (Ref. 37816). Males develop large hump on head and appear blunt-headed (Ref. 48636).
license
cc-by-nc
copyright
FishBase
Recorder
Rodolfo B. Reyes
original
visit source
partner site
Fishbase

Life Cycle

provided by Fishbase
Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205).
license
cc-by-nc
copyright
FishBase
Recorder
Susan M. Luna
original
visit source
partner site
Fishbase

Morphology

provided by Fishbase
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 9
license
cc-by-nc
copyright
FishBase
Recorder
Rodolfo B. Reyes
original
visit source
partner site
Fishbase

Trophic Strategy

provided by Fishbase
Occurs inshore (Ref. 75154).
license
cc-by-nc
copyright
FishBase
Recorder
Auda Kareen Ortañez
original
visit source
partner site
Fishbase

Biology

provided by Fishbase
Occurs in lagoon and seaward reefs. Juveniles generally solitary; large adults often school together. Feeds on benthic algae (Ref. 89972).
license
cc-by-nc
copyright
FishBase
Recorder
Estelita Emily Capuli
original
visit source
partner site
Fishbase