| 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 |
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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 |
Red Sea to South Africa, north to southern Japan, south to the southern Great Barrier Reef.[1]
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].
Mainly molluscs, crustaceans and sea urchins[1].
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]