Slender Maori Wrasse (male)

Oxycheilinus celebicus is a member of Oxycheilinus genus of wrasses native to the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Description

The cheek lacks the multiple lines below the eye and dorsal fin has two thin, usually irregular, red marginal lines The concave head profile of this species is similar to that of C. oxycephalus, but its coloration is distinctive. Long snout, red lines radiating from eye, mottled red-brown body, dark lateral stripe broken into rectangles that are separated by white streaks near tail, dorsal and anal fins with fine dark flecks.

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.

Max length : 24.0 cm

Distrubution

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

Habitat

Inhabits coral-rich areas of protected reefs, with a rich mix of soft and brittle hard corals and other invertebrates. Reported to be associated with the mushroom Heliofungia actiniformis. Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding.