Characteristics

• Observed singly and occasionally in small groups.
• Feeds on small crustaceans, benthic invertebrates and fish roe.
• Able to change sex from female to male with growth. Study from Australia reported that females mature in 1 year at 7 cm (Standard Length) and change sex at age of 3 years, approximately 12 cm (Standard Length).
• Reported to live up to at least 12 years.
• Fast and wary swimmer. Not easily captured by cameras nor approached by divers.

Description

• Body colouration generally green-bluish made up of dense, fine, pinkish vertical lines on body.
• Head marked with irregular green or purplish-red bands.
• Purple-pink pectoral fins bordered with blue edge.
• Distinct yellow lunate caudal fin.
• Males are more bluish overall particularly the head.

• Body greenish brown dorsally, bluish white ventrally.
• A dark spot marks middle of dorsal fin and on caudal peduncle.
• Transparent-white truncate caudal fin.