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  • EnglishName: Chistletooth wrasse
  • Local Name : Dhaiy thoonu hikaa
  • Size : Max. 25 cm
  • Family: LABRIDAE
  • Order : Perciformes
  • Distinctive Characters: Dorsal fin with 11 spines and 12 rays. Anal fin with 3 spines and 14 rays. Pectoral fin with 15 rays. Body depth 2.4-2.9 in standard length. A pair of spatulate incisiform teeth at the front of each jaw.
  • Colour: Dark reddish brown. Juveniles with one dorsal and one ventral blue stripe. Adults with neon blue margins to dorsal, caudal and anal fins. Pale streak across upper lip.
  • Habitat and Biology: Common on rock and coral reefs to a depth of 60 m. Feeds on encrusting organisms. Juveniles have been observed cleaning other fishes.
  • Distribution: Indo-Pacific.
  • Remarks: Pseudodax molucannus is the only species of the genus. It can easily be distinguished from other wrasses by its large spatulate incisiform teeth.