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  • EnglishName: Moon wrasse
  • Local Name : Nigoo dhigu hikaa
  • Size : Max. 27 cm
  • Family: LABRIDAE
  • Order : Perciformes
  • Distinctive Characters: Dorsal fin with 8 spines and 13 rays. Anal fin with 3 spines and 11 rays. Pectoral fin with 15 rays. Body depth 3.1-3.7 in standard length. Caudal fin varying from truncate in juveniles to lunate with filamentous lobes in large males.
  • Colour: Females dark green, with fine red stripes on sides and red bands on chest and head. Yellow crescent on caudal fin. Males similar but background - colour more blue than green.
  • Habitat and Biology: Common on coral and rocky reefs to depths of 20 m. Feeds on benthic invertebrates, small fishes and fish eggs.
  • Distribution: Indo-Pacific.
  • Remarks: Thalassoma lunare is a very common and wide-ranging species in Maldivian reefs. It is very bold
    and will readily approach divers and snorkellers if food is being handed out.