Chiseltooth Wrasse

The chiseltooth wrasse (Pseudodax moluccanus) is a marine ray-finned fish belonging to the Labridae family, endemic to the 🌊 Indian Ocean and the western 🌊 Pacific Ocean. This species primarily inhabits coral reefs, thriving in depths ranging from 3 to 60 meters (10 to 200 feet), with occurrences seldom beyond 40 meters (130 feet). The chiseltooth wrasse can reach a maximum length of 30 centimeters (12 inches). Although it holds minor significance in local commercial fisheries, it is notable in the aquarium trade. Notably, P. moluccanus is the sole recognized member of its genus.

The chiseltooth wrasse presents a greyish to reddish-brown background coloration, characterized by a distinctive dark streak or spot on each scale. Its upper lip is yellow, accented by a blue streak, while its blue teeth add a distinct feature. The caudal fin appears black with a blue margin. Juvenile chiseltooth wrasses exhibit a pale blue hue with a broad stripe along the flanks, whereas subadult specimens show a yellow band at the tail's base. Juveniles bear a striking resemblance to cleaner wrasses of the Labroides genus, exhibiting similar cleaning behavior. The species features 11 spines and 12 rays within the dorsal fin, while the anal fin comprises 3 spines and 14 soft rays. It attains a total length of up to 30 centimeters (12 inches).

The chiseltooth wrasse boasts a broad Indo-Pacific distribution, spanning from the western 🌊 Indian Ocean, including the 🌊 Red Sea and 🇿🇦 South Africa, extending eastward to the Tuamotu (🇵🇫 French Polynesia)s, and stretching north to 🇯🇵 Japan and south to Lord Howe Island, 🇦🇺 Australia.

Occupying clear channels and the seaward edges of reefs, the chiseltooth wrasse predominantly resides at depths from 3 to 60 meters (10 to 200 feet). Juveniles are often observed along drop-offs at depths greater than 18 meters (60 feet), inhabiting caves where adults are typically found nearby. Adult chiseltooth wrasses lead solitary lives, primarily consuming algae and small invertebrates. In contrast, juveniles exhibit behavior akin to cleaner fish. The species is closely related to undefinedes (family Scaridae) due to its dental pattern, yet behaviorally aligns more closely with species in the genus Anampses.