Divers and snorkelers often overlook Cheilinus oxycephalus due to its secretive habits and dull coloration.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 17 cm
color
Mottled brownish red. Dart spots on each side of upper lip, in front of dorsal fin, and sometimes behind eye. Juveniles and sub-adults with a midlateral row of small dark spots on body.
This species has a dorsal fin with nine spines and ten rays, an anal fin with three spines and rays, a body depth of 2.5 to 3.0 inches in standard length, and a dorsal profile of the head from the mouth to above the eye that is concave. The mouth is terminal or with the lower jaw slightly projecting, and the head is scaled to above the middle of the eye. The caudal fin is rounded in all stages.