Labropsis xanthonota, like other wrasses, is among the first to retire to an inactive state with the approach of darkness and among the last to resume activity the following morning.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 13.5 cm
color
Females dark brown or black, yellow dorsally and with fine blue lines on sides. Males brown, each scale with a yellow dot. Yellow margin to operculum. White wedged-shaped area on caudal fin. Juveniles similar to females but lacking brown region of upper side.
Adults of this species are typically encountered in deep, coral-rich habitats, ranging from 7 to 55 meters below the surface. They feed on coral polyps, while juveniles are often observed cleaning other fish.
distinctive characters
This fish has a dorsal fin with nine spines and eleven rays, an anal fin with three spines and ten rays, and a pectoral fin with fourteen to fifteen rays. Its body depth is between 3.4 and 3.8 inches in standard length, and its lips are thick and fleshy. Additionally, its postorbital head and posterior suborbital have small scales, and the caudal fin of juveniles is rounded while females have a truncate shape with round corners and males have an emarginate shape.