Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) >
Perciformes (Perch-likes) >
Labridae (Wrasses)
Etymology: Diproctacanthus: Greek, di = two + Greek, proktos = anus + Greek, akantha = thorn (Ref. 45335).
Environment / Climate / Range
Ecology
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 2 - 25 m (Ref. 90102), usually 2 - 20 m (Ref. 27115). Tropical; 24°C - 28°C (Ref. 27115), preferred ?; 19°N - 25°S, 99°E - 172°E
Western Central Pacific: Philippines, Palau, Indonesia, New Guinea, and Great Barrier Reef.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ? range ? - ? cm
Max length : 10.0 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 6023)
Dorsal
spines
(total): 9;
Dorsal
soft rays
(total): 9-10;
Anal
spines: 2;
Anal
soft rays: 9 - 11;
Vertebrae: 25. Juveniles with 3 broad black stripes from head to caudal fin where the stripes merge; with growth, lower stripe disappears, upper stripe is less distinct; black caudal fin becomes entirely yellow in adults. Head scales small. Lips thick and fleshy, forming a short tube when mouth is closed. Caudal fin rounded to truncate; pelvic fins rounded.
A solitary species (Ref. 90102) occurring in coral rich areas of shallow lagoons and sheltered seaward reefs. Adults feed mainly on coral polyps while juveniles remove ectoparasites from small territorial fishes (Ref. 2334, 9710). Adults swim in small groups. Usually, only small juveniles clean other fishes (Ref. 48636).
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205).
Randall, J.E., G.R. Allen and R.C. Steene, 1990. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu, Hawaii. 506 p. (Ref. 2334)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 115185)
CITES (Ref. 94142)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Aquarium: commercial
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