Floral Maori Wrasse (juvenile)

The Floral Wrasse (Cheilinus chlorourus) is a species of wrasse native to the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean from the coast of Africa to the Tuamotus and Marquesas. Its range extends as far north as the Ryukyus and south to New Caledonia. It is an inhabitant of reefs in lagoons or coastal waters at depths of from 1 to 30 m (3.3 to 98.4 ft). This species can reach 45 cm (18 in) in total length. It is of minor importance to local commercial fisheries and can also be found in the aquarium trade.

Description

There is considerable variation in coloration between the juveniles and the adults. Both have rows of white dots down the body with larger dots and reticulated patterns on the face. The eye on both juveniles and adults is bulbous and has an orange ring around it. 

The juveniles have a red brown background color with a pinkish colored face and white blotches in the caudal area which on some specimens continue through to adulthood. In full grown adults large numbers of the white dots on the body contain a red dot in the middle. The body background color changes to a light green and the caudal fin is dark colored, sometimes with a white blotch. There are often dark blotches just below the dorsal fin on the adults.

They grow up to 45 cm and have a fairly formidable set of teeth as can be seen in the image above.

Distribution

The Floral Wrasse, is found across the western Indian Ocean down to southern Kwa-Zulu Natal and across to New Caledonia in the west Pacific. They are mainly seen on the rubble and sandy areas between corals and tend to swim low close to the bottom.

Diet

The Floral Wrasse feed on small crustaceans and mollusks and usually feed on their own.