Scientific Name
Cheilinus chlorourus
Common Name
Floral wrasse
Biology
Dorsal
spines
(total): 10;
Dorsal
soft rays
(total): 8-9;
Anal
spines: 3;
Anal
soft rays: 8. The only Cheilinus that has 10 dorsal spines. Exhibits a coloration very similar to C. trilobatus, but has black and white specks on its pelvic, anal and caudal fins, while C. trilobatus has vertical red, white and black streaks on its body scales. Large adults of both species have numerous red spots and streaks on the head and trilobed caudal fins.