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).
Life Cycle
provided by Fishbase
Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205).
Morphology
provided by Fishbase
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 9
Trophic Strategy
provided by Fishbase
Occurs inshore (Ref. 75154).
- Recorder
- Auda Kareen Ortañez
Biology
provided by Fishbase
Occurs in lagoon and seaward reefs. Juveniles generally solitary; large adults often school together. Feeds on benthic algae (Ref. 89972).
- Recorder
- Estelita Emily Capuli