Dang Thuy Binh Le Phan Khanh Hung, Truong Thi Oanh Luong Thi Tuong Vi

 ABSTRACT

The family Labridae (the wrasses) containing 82 genera and about 600 species of fish - is the fifth largestfish family and second largest marinefish family. The Labridae is one of the most morphologically and ecologically diversified families offish in size, shape and color. They eat algae and organic detritus, having an important role in helping to restore coral reefs after impact of environmental perturbations.  The classification of Labridae in Vietnam is based primarily on morphological characteristics. The purpose of this study is a taxonomic review of the family Labridae distributed in Vietnam. Currently, 11 species belong to Cheilinus, Halichoeres, Iniistius, Scaros, and Oxycheilinus are described based on morphological characters. Combined with Genbank sequences,  a phylogenetic  tree was constructed based on 16S gene of mitochondrial DNA. A comprehensive survey and checklist update of Labridae in Vietnam is necessary. The research results can be used as data sources for the study ofbiodiversity and management of reef.fishes resources in Vietnam.

Keywords: Labridae, Reef.fishe Morphology, Phylogeny, Mitochondrial DNA