Abstract
Juveniles of the Blackspotted wrasse Macropharyngodon meleagris (Valenciennes, 1839) were observed to solely inhabit xeniid soft corals in shallow exposed reefs in Negros Island (central Philippines). Juvenile coloration (including patterns and eyespots) and adapted swimming behavior may support blending in with the soft coral environment and avoiding predation. This report constitutes the first description of juvenile wrasses occupying niches within a soft coral microhabitat by using their unique coloration patterns and swimming behavior.
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