Description:

Dorsal spines: 11; Dorsal rays: 12; Anal spines: 3; Anal rays: 14.

Moderately full-bodied wrasse. Prominent, blue, large spatulate incisiform teeth anteriorly in jaws.

Colour. Greyish to reddish-brown with a dark streak or spot on each body scale. Bright blue streak above yellow upper lip extending across cheek. Caudal fin black with blue 
margin and a broad pale yellowish bar across base. Juveniles with two blue stripes, one dorsal and one ventral, resembling cleaner wrasse of the genus Labroides. 

Size:

Maturity: Lm unknown. Range unknown. Max Length: 30.0 cm TL.

Habitat and Ecology:

Inhabits clear channels and seaward reefs (depth 3-60 m, usually 4-40 m). Adults usually found near caves.  Juveniles are commonly found along drop-offs below 18 m, 
utilising caves. Adults are solitary and feed on algae and small invertebrates. Juveniles have been observed 'cleaning' other fishes. Oviparous, distinct pairing during 
breeding.
 

Fishery Status:

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is caught in the trap fishery, but is a relatively uncommon component of the catch.

Notes:

 

 

References:

Bray, D.J. Pseudodax moluccanus in Fishes of Australia, http://136.154.202.208/home/species/269 (01/04/20).
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. (Eds.) (2019). FishBase. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/5594 (05/06/19).
Randall, J.E. (1986). Labridae. p. 683-706. In M.M. Smith and P.C. Heemstra (eds.) Smiths' sea fishes. Springer-Verlag, Berlin.
Sadovy, Y. et al. (2010). Pseudodax moluccanus. The IUCN Red List 2010: https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T187713A8608971.en. (01/04/20).
 

Citation:

Nevill, J.E.G. (2019). Pseudodax moluccanus, Chiseltooth wrasse. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/pseudodax-moluccanus-valenciennes-1840/ (edited 13/07/22).