The terminal males of Stethojulis strigiventer are more colourful and very different from the initial phase, and S. renardi (Bleeker) is a synonym based on this terminal male phase.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 15 cm
color
Males greenish to yellowish brown dorsally, white ventrally. Four longitudinal blue lines, only one of which extends full length of head and body. A broad red band from pectoral fin base to gill opening, and a small black spot at upper end of gill opening. Females greenish to brownish grey dorsally, white ventrally, many fine longitudinal lines and a small blue edged dark spot at caudal base.
order
Perciformes
family
Labridae
habitat and biology
Typically inhabiting algal flats, seagrass beds, or sandy areas near reefs, this species feeds on benthic invertebrates.
distinctive characters
This fish has a dorsal fin with nine spines and eleven rays, an anal fin with three spines and eleven rays, and a pectoral fin with fifteen (rarely fourteen) rays. Its body depth is between 3.5 and 3.9 inches in standard length, and it has scales on its chest.