Description:

Dorsal spines: 9; Dorsal rays: 11; Anal spines: 3; Anal rays: 11.

Small, moderately elongate-bodied wrasse. No canine teeth, except one posteriorly on upper jaw. Teeth close set incisiform, in a single series. Caudal fin slightly rounded.

Initial Phase. Greenish to grey brown and whitish below, the 2 areas usually separated by a poorly defined reddish stripe. Flecked with pale dots dorsolaterally. 2 small 
blackish spots edged in pale blue midlaterally at base of caudal fin. A bright orange-red spot above pectoral base. A common colour phase exhibits 2 pale stripes on upper 
dark part of body.

Terminal Phase. 3 longitudinal blue lines on body: upper line along base of dorsal fin (extending to upper eye), along midlateral from Caudal fin to corner of mouth and 
lower caudal peduncle to pectoral axil.

Maturity: Lm unknown. Range unknown. Max Length: 14cm TL.

Inhabits reef flats and clear lagoon and seaward reefs (depth 0-21 m). Feeds on small invertebrates, especially crustaceans and molluscs. Found singly or in small groups 
consisting of one male and a few females. Oviparous, distinct pairing.
 

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is too small to be subject to the gear of the artisanal fishery.

Photo of Initial Phase taken from specimien provided by Mr. S. Azemia. 

Cabanban, A. & Rocha, L. (2010). Stethojulis albovittata. The IUCN Red List 2010: https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T187632A8585850.en. (19/05/20).
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. (Eds.) (2020). FishBase. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Stethojulis-albovittata.html (18/05/20).
Randall, J.E. (1986). Labridae. p. 683-706. In M.M. Smith and P.C. Heemstra (eds.) Smiths' sea fishes. Springer-Verlag, Berlin.

Nevill, J.E.G. (2020). Stethojulis albovittata, Bluelined wrasse. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/7081-2/ (edited 14/07/22).