Author: (Lacepède, 1801)
FBname: Rockmover wrasse
Comments: Inhabit semi-exposed reef flats and lagoon and seaward reefs (Ref. 1602).  Common in areas of mixed sand, and rubble that are subject to mild surge (Ref. 1602, 58466).  Benthopelagic (Ref. 58302).  Juveniles shallow on rubble amongst large bommies or protected open patches on reef crests and swim as if were a leaf floating along the bottom; large adults move along over large reef section, usually in pairs and typically turn or shift large pieces of rubble or debris that they grab and pull with their mouth or push over with their snout.  Often, while one works the piece, the other grabs exposed prey.  They are sometimes called rock-mover wrasse, but they don't move real rocks (Ref. 48636).  Highly territorial (Ref. 9823).  Feed on mollusks, sea urchins, brittle stars, polychaetes, and crabs (Ref. 5213); feeding is done by overturning large rocks to expose target preys.  The young imitate drifting masses of algae (Ref. 2334).  Marketed fresh (Ref. 9311).  Minimum depth reported from Ref. 30874.