Come identificare Peacock Wrasse

Per identificare Peacock Wrasse (Thalassoma pavo), osserva queste caratteristiche chiave.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo

elongated

Colorazione

Highly variable. Initial phase (females and juveniles) typically green to brownish-green with five to seven vertical blue bars on the flanks, a dark spot on the dorsal fin, and a prominent black spot on the upper caudal fin base. Terminal phase males are much more vibrant, displaying iridescent blue-green bodies with a prominent red-orange vertical band behind the pectoral fin, a blue head with intricate red-orange reticulations, and elongated caudal fin rays. Both phases have a small, pointed head and a continuous dorsal fin.

Tipo di squame

cycloid

Posizione della bocca

terminal

Caratteristiche distintive

Sexual dichromatism (distinct color differences between sexes), Prominent black spot on the upper caudal fin base (initial phase), Red-orange vertical band behind pectoral fin (terminal phase male), Elongated caudal fin rays (terminal phase male), Small, protractile mouth with conical teeth

Pinna dorsale

Continuous, with 8 spines and 12-14 soft rays. The spinous portion is slightly lower than the soft-rayed portion.

Pinna caudale

Truncate to slightly emarginate in initial phase, becoming lunate with elongated outer rays in terminal phase males.

Pinna pettorale

Large and fan-shaped, with 13-15 rays.

Pinne distintive

Pelvic fins are relatively small and located thoracically. Anal fin has 3 spines and 10-12 soft rays.

Consigli per l'identificazione

1. 1

   Coloration (Initial Phase)

   Look for a greenish-brown body with 5-7 faint blue vertical bars, a dark spot on the dorsal fin, and a distinct black spot at the base of the caudal fin. This is typical for females and juveniles.

2. 2

   Coloration (Terminal Phase Male)

   Identify by the vibrant blue-green body, a prominent red-orange vertical band behind the pectoral fin, and intricate red-orange markings on the blue head. The caudal fin will also be more elongated.

3. 3

   Body Shape

   Elongated, torpedo-shaped body, typical of wrasses, allowing for swift movement through water.

4. 4

   Mouth and Teeth

   Small, protractile mouth with conical teeth, adapted for picking small invertebrates from surfaces.

Esplora Peacock Wrasse