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.

Size:

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

Habitat and Ecology:

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.
 

Fishery Status:

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

Notes:

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

References:

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.

Citation:

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