Checkerboard wrasse

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Checkerboard wrasse

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Labridae
Genus: Halichoeres
Species: Halichoeres hortulanus
Binomial name
Halichoeres hortulanus
Lacepède, 1801

The checkerboard wrasse, (Halichoeres hortulanus) is a species of fish. It may also be known as the chequered wrasse or the wall wrasse[1].

Contents

[edit] Range

Red Sea to South Africa, north to southern Japan, south to the southern Great Barrier Reef.[1]

[edit] Description

Checkerboard pattern on sides, males are greener with a yellow dorsal spot. Small juveniles are black and white, gradually changing with growth to the adult pattern[1].

[edit] Diet

Mainly molluscs, crustaceans and sea urchins[1].

[edit] Habitat

Clear lagoons and seaward reefs from 1m-30m depth. Juveniles are found at the bottom of surge channels or under ledges. Males are territorial over a large area.[2]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d "Halichoeres hortulanus". FishBase. Ed. Ranier Froese and Daniel Pauly. 5 2007 version. N.p.: FishBase, 2007.
  2. ^ Lieske, E. and Myers, R.F. (2004) Coral reef guide; Red Sea London, HarperCollins ISBN 0-00-715986-2
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