Halichoeres radiatus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Puddingwife wrasse
photo by Randall, J.E.

 Family:  Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Corinae
 Max. size:  51 cm TL (male/unsexed)
 Environment:  reef-associated; depth range 2 - 55 m
 Distribution:  Western Atlantic: Bermuda, throughout the West Indies, Florida, the Carolinas, and Gulf of Mexico; found at the Brazilian oceanic islands of St. Paul's Rocks, Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rochas. Does not co-occur with H. brasiliensis in Brazilian coastal waters.
 Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-11; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 12-12. Two pairs of enlarged canines in lower jaw; anterior lateral line scales with 3 or more pores per scale; body depth 2.7-3.6 in SL; distinctive 4 or 5 narrow pale bars along the dorsum, more evident in specimens up to 20 cm SL; yellow margin on caudal fin (Ref. 48669).
 Biology:  Adults found on shallow patch or seaward reefs down to 55 m (Ref. 9710); juveniles and subadults in shallower (1 to 5 m) coral reefs (Ref. 3726). Feeds on mollusks, sea urchins, crustaceans, and brittle stars (Ref. 9710). Marketed fresh (Ref. 3726).
 IUCN Red List Status:   (Ref. 96402)
 Threat to humans:  reports of ciguatera poisoning
 Country info:   
 

 Entered by: Luna, Susan M. - 17.10.90
 Modified by: Garilao, Cristina V. - 20.08.03
 Checked by: Garilao, Cristina V. - 22.03.98

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