Cymolutes
Cymolutes is a genus of fish in the family Labridae, commonly known as wrasses. These marine fish are found in the western Pacific Ocean, inhabiting coral reefs and rocky shores.
Characteristics
Cymolutes species are typically small, reaching a maximum size of about 15 centimeters. They are characterized by their vibrant coloration, often with a combination of bright red, orange, yellow, and blue hues. Their bodies are elongated and compressed laterally, with a small, pointed snout and a prominent dorsal fin. They possess a unique feature called a "canine tooth" in their lower jaw, which is used to defend themselves against predators.
Environments
Cymolutes species are found in a variety of marine environments, including coral reefs, rocky shores, and seagrass meadows. They are typically found in shallow waters, where they feed on algae, invertebrates, and small fish.
Common Names
Cymolutes species are known by various common names, including:
- Fairy wrasse
- Cymolutes wrasse
- Rainbow wrasse
- Dottyback wrasse
References
For further information on Cymolutes, you can refer to the following resources: