Author: (Valenciennes, 1840)
FBname: Peacock wrasse
Comments: Usually solitary in lagoon and seaward reef areas with fine to loose, coarse sand bottoms (Ref. 1602).  Juveniles sometimes in shallow estuaries (Ref. 48636).  Adults rare in less than 20 m (Ref. 9710).  Benthic and benthopelagic (Ref. 58302).  Dives into sand to sleep safely at night or to hide when alarmed (Ref. 9311, 90102).  Feed on hard-shelled invertebrates, including mollusks and crustaceans (Ref. 9311).  Juveniles mimic drifting dead leaves by holding the elongate detached front part of dorsal fin forward over head.  Good to eat, flesh very white (Ref. 7364).  Minimum depth reported from Ref. 27115.