Cheilinus oxycephalus Bleeker, 1853
Snooty wrasse
Cheilinus oxycephalus
photo by Randall, J.E.

 Family:  Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Cheilininae
 Max. size:  17 cm TL (male/unsexed)
 Environment:  reef-associated; depth range 1 - 40 m
 Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: East Africa to the Marquesan and Society islands, north to Taiwan, south to the southern Great Barrier Reef and the Austral Islands.
 Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-10; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Brownish red, mottled with small whitish spots; dark brown spot anteriorly on each side of upper lip; 2 dark lines diverging from the eye; dark brown spot on 1st 2 dorsal membranes (Ref. 4392). Deep-bodied for genus, and snout pointed (Ref. 48636).
 Biology:  Found in coral-rich areas of lagoon and seaward reefs at depths of 1 to over 40 m (Ref. 1602, 48636, 58534). A secretive species (Ref. 8631, 48636), rarely ventures more than a few centimeters from shelter (Ref. 1602). A shy species, usually found in pairs when adult (Ref. 48636). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205).
 IUCN Red List Status:   (Ref. 96402)
 Threat to humans:  harmless
 Country info:   
 

 Entered by: Capuli, Estelita Emily - 10.06.92
 Modified by: Luna, Susan M. - 28.07.11
 Checked by: Capuli, Estelita Emily - 27.03.95

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