Halichoeres melanurus (Bleeker, 1851)
Tail-spot wrasse
Halichoeres melanurus
photo by Hazes, B.

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Corinae
Max. size:  14 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 15 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: from Bali, Indonesia and Western Australia to Micronesia and Samoa; north to Japan; south to Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-12; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 11-12; Vertebrae: 25-25. Stripes on male body blue-green and orangish in life, becoming salmon pink and green anteriorly; a dark spot behind eye contained within a brown band that bifurcates posteriorly. Females with a small black spot on 1st interspinous membrane of dorsal fin, another between 2nd-3rd soft rays; a spot at the upper base of caudal fin. Anterior lateral line scales with 1-4 pores (usually 2). Pelvic fins of males reaching to or beyond the anus.
Biology:  Found mostly on shallow coral reefs and rocky shores (Ref. 9823). Found solitary or in small groups on sheltered reefs over 15 m depth (Ref. 90102). Feed on small invertebrates such as polychaetes, copepods, isopods and forams (Ref. 1602).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 June 2008 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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