Scientific Name
Cheilinus trilobatus

Common Name
Tripletail wrasse

Biology
Adults inhabit lagoon and seaward reefs at depths of 1 to over 30 m, and relatively common along shallow reef margins with good coral cover (Ref. 9710). Usually solitary (Ref. 5213). Feed mainly on shelled benthic invertebrates such as mollusks and crustaceans, but occasionally take fishes (Ref. 1602). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). Difficult to approach (Ref. 9710). Juveniles secretive on algae reefs and usually around stinging hydrozoans (Ref. 48636).

Classification

Classified By

Lacep?de, 1801

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Perch-like fish (Perciformes)

Family

Wrasses (Labridae)

Distribution

Region

Indo-Pacific

Distribution

Indo-Pacific: East Africa to the Tuamoto and Austral islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to New Caledonia.

Range

30°N - 30°S

Environment

Climate

Tropical

Water Temperature From

Unknown °C

Water Temperature To

Unknown °C

Depth From - meters

1 m

Depth To - meters

30 m

Zone

reef-associated

Environment

Marine; brackish; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 30 m (Ref. 1602)

Trophic Level

3.46 s.e. 0.52 Based on diet studies.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

True

Occurs in Brackish water

True

Occurs in Fresh Water

False

Occurs on Reefs

True

Is kept in Aquariums

True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

45.0 cm

Common Length

Unknown cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5039 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: commercial

Vulnerability

Moderate vulnerability (45 of 100)

Resilience

Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Least Concern (LC)