Mulloidichthys dentatus (Gill, 1862)

Mouth Characteristics

Mulloidichthys dentatus has a small, protrusible mouth. Its teeth are small and villiform, and there are no teeth on the roof of its mouth.

Snout and Barbels

The snout is blunt, and there are two large barbels on the chin.

Scale Count

There are six rows of scales between its two dorsal fins.

Body Coloration

The body is entirely yellow except for two horizontal blue stripes.

Maximum Size

This species reaches a maximum total length of 40 cm (16 inches).

Species Distinction

It is similar in appearance to Mulloidichthys vanicolensis, but differs in having shorter pectoral fins and shorter barbels, as well as fewer gill rakers and fewer pectoral fin rays.

Geographic Range

This species occurs in the Central-Eastern Pacific Ocean, ranging from southern California, USA to Peru, including the Galápagos Islands. It is rare north of the Baja California peninsula.

Depth Range

It inhabits depths from 2 to 110 m (6.6 to 360.9 ft).

Adult Habitat

Adults are primarily found along coasts and around coral reefs, living on sandy, muddy, and rocky nearshore bottoms.

Juvenile Habitat

Juveniles of this species, by contrast, are more commonly found in the open ocean.

Social Behavior

Individuals may occur alone, but the species prefers to form small schools.

Nighttime Color Change

At night, individuals can change their body color to develop red patches.