Author: (Lacepède, 1801)
FBname: Christmas wrasse
Comments: Found solitary or in groups (Ref. 90102) in shallow exposed reef flats, usually with rock-base and mixed coral and algae (Ref. 48636, 58302).  Also occurs in surge-swept reef flats, reef margins, and clear rocky shorelines, but may venture to deeper waters up to 10 m (Ref. 3921).  Benthopelagic (Ref. 58302).  Feeds on crustaceans (especially crabs), mollusks, and ophiuroids (brittle stars) (Ref. 3921).