Family : Labridae (Wrasses) , subfamily: Corinae
Order : Perciformes  (perch-likes)
Class : Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Fishbase Name : Checkerboard wrasse
Fish Name : Halichoeres hortulanus
Max size : 27.0 cm TL (male/unsexed; Ref. 2334)
Environment : reef-associated ; depth range 1 - 30 m
Climate : tropical; 24 - 28°C; 32°N - 28°S
Global Importance : fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (K=0.7)Distribution : Indo-Pacific: Red Sea south to Sodwana Bay, South Africa and east to the Line, Marquesan and Tuamoto islands, north to southern Japan, south to the southern Great Barrier Reef.
Diagnosis : Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-11; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 11-11. Some geographical variations between Indian and Pacific Ocean and Red Sea. Adults with one or two yellow saddles over the back and sometimes with small black spot on upper peduncle. Small juveniles black and white, gradually changing with growth to adult pattern (Ref. 48636).
Biology : Inhabits sand patches of lagoon and seaward reefs to at least 30 m (Ref. 1602); also on slopes to moderate depths along drop-offs (Ref. 48636). Juveniles common at the bottom of surge channels (Ref. 9710). Feeds mainly on hard-shelled prey, including mollusks, crustaceans and sea urchins (9823)
Threatened : Dangerous:  
Dangerous : harmless
Coordinator : Westneat, Mark
Main Ref : Randall, J.E., G.R. Allen and R.C. Steene. 1990. (Ref. 2334)

India country information
Common Names : നിഹോള, പായതലയന്, പെയതലയന് , നിഹൊള  , Kunauhikkae, Nihola, Payathalayan
Status : native
Salinity : marine
Uses : no uses