Cirrhilabrus cyanopleura (Bleeker, 1851)

Common Name and Taxonomy

Cirrhilabrus cyanopleura, commonly known as the blueside wrasse, is a species of wrasse.

Distribution Range

It is native to the eastern Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean.

Reef Association and Schooling Behavior

This wrasse lives on reefs, where it forms schools that swim between 1 and 2 meters (3.3 to 6.6 feet) above the seabed.

Depth Range

It inhabits depths ranging from 2 to 30 meters (6.6 to 98.4 feet), and is most frequently found between 5 and 20 meters (16 to 66 feet).

Size

This species can grow to a standard length of 15 centimeters (5.9 inches).

Diet and Human Use

It feeds on zooplankton, and is sold in the aquarium trade.

Population Trend

While the species may be relatively common, its population is declining.

Threats

Threats driving this decline include blast fishing, sedimentation, pollution, collection for the aquarium trade, and loss of shallow reef habitat.