Slippery dick
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 Slippery Dick, Halichoeres bivittatus
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Slippery dick (Doncella rayada) is a species of ocean-dwelling fish in the family Labridae.[1]
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[edit] Physical description
The slippery dick has three color phases. Adults have two dark lateral stripes, one running from snout through eye to caudal base and the other, less pronounced, on the lower side of body. A small bicolored spot at edge of gill cover within upper dark stripe (all phases). Dark triangular corners on tail. Irregular light red bands on head and on caudal fin. Shades of green. Intermediates: Color vary greatly, from shades of green to medium brown. Juveniles are usually white and have two dark stripes, but the lower (abdominal) stripe may be faint.[2]
[edit] Distribution
This species ranges from the Western Atlantic: North Carolina, USA and Bermuda to Brazil. Also Gulf of Mexico, Antilles, and coasts of Central and South America
[edit] Habitat
This species is found on rock and coral reefs and adjacent sandy areas in shallow water.
[edit] Ecology
This species feeds on benthic invertebrates, including crabs, sea urchins and ophiuroids, polychaetes, and gastropods. It is a protogynous hermaphrodite. In North Carolina, males defend temporary territories with peak spawning in May and June. Pair spawning typically occurs between females and terminal phase males; initial phase males occasionally try to insert themselves into the spawning event. Slippery dick recruit at fairly large sizes (9-12 mm) and after a relatively short period in the plankton. Peak recruitment occurred during the new moon and the highest amplitude tide.[3]
