Celebes Wrasse

Appearance

Males are mottled reddish to brownish with pale flecks on the body scales, orange lines radiating from the eye, a small blue spot on the front of the dorsal fin, and a dark blotch on the caudal peduncle.
Females are densely mottled with pale red and dark brown blotches, often squarish blotches interspersed with pale bars along the midside forming a broad band that darkens towards the rear, and a small white spot on the upper rear edge of the gill cover. Juveniles have a black ocellus on the caudal-fin base.
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8. The cheek lacks the multiple lines below the eye and dorsal fin has two thin, usually irregular, red marginal lines (Ref. 48636). The concave head profile of this species is similar to that of C. oxycephalus, but its coloration is distinctive.

Distribution

Western Pacific: Moluccas to the Solomon Islands, north to southern Japan, south to Rowley Shoals. Recently recorded from Tonga.

Behavior

Reported to be associated with the mushroom Heliofungia actiniformis.

Habitat

Inhabits coral-rich areas of protected reefs, with a rich mix of soft and brittle hard corals and other invertebrates. Depth range 3 - 40 m, usually 5 - 30 m

Reproduction

Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding.