Description:

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

A small, moderately elongate-bodied wrasse. Anterior head with quite acute profile and terminal mouth. 2 pairs of canine teeth anteriorly in jaws. The first pair of upper jaw strongly projecting, the second 
recurved, and a large canine at corner of mouth. 1 row of small teeth on side jaws. Caudal fin slightly rounded.

Colour: Juveniles white with orange mottling and pair of black spots on dorsal and anal fins. 
Females orange-red with white spots of variable size. A large black area over chest and abdomen ventral patch containing a bright iridescent blue network and spots. 
Males dull orange-red with dark-edged green diagonal bands on head which continue to middle of body where they break up into irregular spots. A large 
light yellow to orange area beneath soft dorsal fin and onto caudal peduncle. A series of blue-edged dark reddish blotches forming an irregular band 
posteriolaterally on body.

Size:

Maturity: Unknown. Max length: 13.0 cm TL.
 

Habitat and Ecology:

Inhabits lagoons, shallow coral and rubble reefs, and sheltered seaward reefs (depth 1-30 m). Solitary or in pairs, females sometimes forming small groups. Feeds on small 
benthic invertebrates. Burrows in the sand to avoid predators. 
 

Fishery Status:

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is not subject to the artisanal fishery.

Notes:

Photographed off northwest coast of Mahé, Seychelles.

References:

Craig, M.T. (2010). Macropharyngodon bipartitus. The IUCN Red List 2010: https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T187416A8529512.en. (18/05/23).
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. (Eds.) (2023). FishBase. Macropharyngodon bipartitus. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Macropharyngodon-bipartitus (18/05/23). 
Mason-Parker, C. et al. (2021). Macropharyngodon bipartitus in Reef Fishes of Seychelles. John Beaufoy Publishing Ltd, UK 
Smith, J.L.B. & Smith, M.M. (1963). The Fishes of Seychelles. Department of Ichthyology. Rhodes University. Grahamstown.
Smith, M. & Heemstra, P. (Eds.) (1999). Smiths’ Sea Fishes Edition 6. Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 10.1007/978-3-642-82858-4

Citation:

Mason-Parker, C. & Nevill, J.E.G. (2023). Macropharyngodon bipartitus, Vermiculate wrasse. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/macropharyngodon-bipartitus-smith-1957/