Checkerboard Wrasse

The checkerboard wrasse is a small sized fish that can reach a maximum length of 33 centimetres (13 in). Both its sex and appearance change during its life, and the colouring at each stage is rather variable based on location. The body is thin, relatively lengthened and its mouth is terminal.

At juvenile stage, this wrasse has a white silvery background color with three black and dark red vertical patches from back head, middle of the body and on the caudal peduncle. A black ocellus with a yellow ring adorns the rear of the dorsal fin, two distinctive white spots are also visible on top and bottom of the caudal peduncle. Also a reddish line passes through the eyes starting from tip of the snout.

The checkerboard wrasse is widespread throughout the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian Ocean, from the Red Sea to South Africa, to the oceanic islands (French Polynesia) from central Pacific Ocean. The northern limit is the south of Japan and the southern limit is the Great Barrier Reef.

It is usually found in clear lagoons and on seaward reefs at depths from 1 to 30 m (3.3 to 98 ft).Juveniles are found at the bottom of surge channels or under ledges.

The species is of minor importance to local commercial fisheries but is targeted for the aquarium trade. It is not currently thought to be under threat and is listed as of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.