Life Cycle
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Nesting occurs from April-October. Male cleans spawning site under rock, then attracts female by rising from bottom to display his black pelvic disk. Male guards nest after female lays eggs. Protogynous (Ref. 13452, 35501). Sex reversal is completed in less than 5 months (Ref. 34185, 34256). A monandric species (Ref. 55367). Length at sex change = 6.9 cm TL (Ref. 55367). Also Ref. 103751.
Morphology
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Dorsal spines (total): 5 - 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12 - 14; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 11 - 12
- Recorder
- Cristina V. Garilao
Biology
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Found usually in sandy areas near rocks. Occurs from intertidal areas to 106 m depth. Retreats to rocks or holes when approached. Young are found usually offshore among plankton. Oviparous (Ref. 56079). A protogynous hermaphrodite (Ref. 34256). Forms permanent harem groups composed of a single male and several smaller females (Ref. 55367). Eggs are guarded by the male (Ref. 56079).
Importance
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aquarium: public aquariums
