Occurs in small groups along outer reef dropoffs of
oceanic islands.
Intergrades with P. tuka in
the West Pacific with confusing color patterns. Males purple with
orange flecks, red cheek stripe, white snout, and red
outer dorsal rays, juveniles all purple with red caudal tips, yellow
tail in Okinawa. Attains 7 inches. Indonesia to Okinawa and
French Polynesia, excluding Hawaii. |