• EnglishName: Divided wrasse
  • Local Name : Kurehi hikaa
  • Size : Max. 12 cm
  • Family: LABRIDAE
  • Order : Perciformes
  • Distinctive Characters: Dorsal fin with 9 spines and 11 rays. Anal fin with 3 spines and 11 rays. Pectoral fin with 12 rays. Body depth 2.6-3.1 in standard length. Head naked. No median predorsal scales. Fifth to sixth dorsal soft rays usually longest. Caudal fin rounded.
  • Colour: Females orange with white spots, and a large black and blue area on belly. Males dull orange-red with green and purple stripes on head, becoming blotches posteriorly. Orange area under soft dorsal.
  • Habitat and Biology: Commonly found in areas of broken coral mixed with sand or rubble. Feeds on benthic invertebrates.
  • Distribution: Western Indian Ocean.
  • Remarks: Macropharyngodon bipartitus is a small, and at first sight a rather dull-looking wrasse. Close inspection, however, reveals that both males and females have the most beautifully intricate colour patterns. A popular aquarium fish.
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Biodiversity of Maldives
Biodiversity of Maldives