About Oxycheilinus digramma (Lacepède, 1801)
Oxycheilinus digramma, commonly called the cheek-lined wrasse, is a species of wrasse native to the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean. It holds minor importance for local commercial fisheries, and is also traded for the aquarium hobby. This species reaches a maximum standard length of around 40 cm (16 inches). Horizontal stripes run along the sides of the fish’s head, while red spots mark the front of its head. Its body color ranges from pale gray to purple. Individuals kept in aquariums are less tense than wild members of the species. Cheek-lined wrasses inhabit coral reefs, sheltered inland areas, and lagoons, typically found at depths between 3 and 60 m (9.8 to 196.9 ft). Juveniles of this species have been observed living among the tentacles of the mushroom coral Heliofungia actiniformis. This wrasse feeds on sea urchins, molluscs, and crustaceans. It uses other fish as a moving blind to approach its prey.
