Halichoeres burekae
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| Halichoeres burekae | |
|---|---|
_Figure_11.jpg) | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Labriformes |
| Family: | Labridae |
| Genus: | Halichoeres |
| Species: | H. burekae |
| Binomial name | |
| Halichoeres burekae Weaver & L. A. Rocha, 2007 | |
Halichoeres burekae, known as the Mardi Gras wrasse, is a species of wrasse native to the Gulf of Mexico. The species was first described from the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary,[1] in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico, but has since been recorded in other areas of the southern Gulf of Mexico.[2] Because it is a small species that feeds on plankton in the water column, it is likely a preferred prey for invasive Lionfish.[3] It also has a very restricted range, and corresponding relatively small population, what resulted in this species being listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List.[4][failed verification]