- Classification
- ACTINOPTERYGII
- PERCIFORMES
- LABRIDAE
- Cirrhilabrus
- bathyphilus
Deepwater Wrasse, Cirrhilabrus bathyphilus Randall & Nagareda 2002

Holotype of the Deepwater Wrasse, Cirrhilabrus bathyphilus, a terminal phase male from Holmes Reef in the Coral Sea, AMS I.41103-001, 48.7 mm SL. Source: Fenton Walsh, Cairns Marine, in Walsh et al. (2017) JOSF 26: Fig. 6, http://www.oceansciencefoundation.org/josf/josf26e.pdf . License: CC BY Attribution
Summary:
A deepwater fairy wrasse with a yellow caudal fin with a broad black submarginal band, and blue blotches on the upper part.
Cite this page as:
Dianne J. Bray, Cirrhilabrus bathyphilus in Fishes of Australia, accessed 30 Jan 2023, https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/2279
Deepwater Wrasse, Cirrhilabrus bathyphilus Randall & Nagareda 2002
More Info
Distribution |
Endemic to the Coral Sea - from Holmes Reef and the Chesterfield Bank. Inhabits coral reefs and rubble areas. |
Features |
This species is distinct in having 15 pectoral rays, 16-17 + 5 lateral-line scaes, 5 median predorsal scales, 2 rows of scales on cheek, 14-15 gill rakers, a large eye (8.2-12.1% SL over the range in SL of 35-76 mm), emarginate caudal fin and short pelvic fins in the male, and a colour pattern of the male of a very broad longitudinal black band in the outer part of the dorsal fin (absent in middle of fin of largest males), and a submarginal black band in the caudal fin. |
Similar Species |
Similar to Cirrhilabrus nahackyi, from Viti Levu, Fiji, and Tongatapu, Tonga. |
Etymology |
The species is named bathyphilus from the Greek, in reference to its deepwater habitat. |
Species Citation |
Randall & Nagareda, 2002, Cybium 26(2): 124. Type locality: Holmes Reef, Coral Sea, 16°24.76'S, 148°0.50'E, depth 6-8 metres. |
Author |
Dianne J. Bray |
Deepwater Wrasse, Cirrhilabrus bathyphilus Randall & Nagareda 2002
References
Allen, G.R., J. Drew & P. Barber. 2008. Cirrhilabrus beauperryi a new wrasse (Pisces: Labridae) from Melanesia. aqua, International Journal of Ichthyology 14(3): 129-140.
Allen, G R., J.E. Randall & B.A. Carlson. 2003. Cirrhilabrus marjorie, a new wrasse (Pisces: Labridae) from Fiji. aqua, Journal of Ichthyology and Aquatic Biology 7(3): 113-118.
Randall, J.E & B.H. Nagareda, 2002. Cirrhilabrus bathyphilus, a new deep-dwelling labrid fish from the Coral Sea. Cybium 26(2): 123-127.
Rocha, L. 2010. Cirrhilabrus bathyphilus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.3.