Zwerg-Lippfisch

Only known from the Maldives. Chagos Archipelago and Sri Lanka regions. Mainly found along deep drop-offs to about 50m depth. Occurs in invertebrate rich habitats, sometimes in small groups below reef overhangs. Scales on front part of body have dark edges when adult. During courting displays the male turns almost white on its sides with any red colouring mostly confined to the head area. A small species, length to 65mm.