Description:

Dorsal spines: 8; Dorsal rays: 13; Anal spines: 3; Anal rays: 11.

Body moderately deep. Dorsal profile of head nearly straight. Snout produced into distinctive, prominent tube-like structure tipped with small jaws with 2 hooked canines in 
anterior of upper jaw. Dorsal fin continuous, spines short and rays longer. Caudal fin rounded in females, truncate with long filaments in large males.

Colour. Large specimens dark greenish blue with green to yellow dorsal and anal fin bases.

Smaller individuals dark greenish brown on upper side of head and back. A dark brown stripe directed forward from eye and 2 broken stripes directed backward from eye. Lower 
side of body grading from cream on head to dark greenish brown on tail.  Dorsal, anal and caudal fins edged white. Anal fin also with yellowish stripe.
Very small individuals white with 2 prominent horizontal stripes on head and sides.

Maturity: Lm unknown. Range unknown. Max Length: 32cm TL.
 

Inhabits coral-rich areas of lagoon and seaward reefs (depth 1-35m). Solitary. Feeds on small invertebrates picked from crevices. Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding.
 

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is not caught in the fish trap or handline fishery. This specimen was caught in a net.  It is a very rare 
component of the catch.
 

Froese, R. & D. Pauly. (Eds.) (2019). FishBase. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/7744 (04/06/19).
Randall, J.E. (1986). Labridae. p. 683-706. In M.M. Smith and P.C. Heemstra (eds.) Smiths' sea fishes. Springer-Verlag, Berlin.
To, A. & Liu, M. (2010). Gomphosus caeruleus. The IUCN Red List 2010: https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T187569A8570874.en. (15/03/20).
 

Nevill, J.E.G. (2019). Gomphosus caeruleus, Green birdmouth wrasse. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/gomphosus-caeruleus-lacepede-1801/ (edited 10/07/22).