Cheilinus fasciatus (Bloch, 1791)

Common Name and Maximum Length

Cheilinus fasciatus, commonly called the red-breasted wrasse, can reach a maximum standard length of 40 cm, or 16 inches.

Base Coloration and Markings

Its head is greenish-blue, followed by a distinct red-orange band, then black and white stripes.

Growth Phase Morphological Differences

Fish in their terminal growth phase generally have a more prominent red band and a convex forehead compared to fish in the initial growth phase and juvenile fish.

Species Distribution Range

This species is native to the tropical Indo-Pacific, ranging from the Red Sea and the African coast to the islands of the western Pacific.

Habitat and Depth Range

It inhabits lagoons and seaward reefs in areas that mix rubble, coral, and sand, found at depths between 4 and 60 meters (13 to 197 feet), though it is rarer below 40 meters (130 feet).

Diet

It feeds primarily on crustaceans, sea urchins, hard-shelled invertebrates, and mollusks.