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.
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.