Yellowcheek wrasse
(Halichoeres cyanocephalus)
Image source: Francois Libert | inaturalist.org
General data
Scientific names:
Yellowcheek wrasse
Habitat:
Saltwater
Climates:
Tropical, Subtropical
Halichoeres cyanocephalus, or the yellowcheek wrasse, is a species of salt water wrasse found in the western Atlantic Ocean, from Florida to Brazil.
This species reaches a length of 30 cm (11.8 in).
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 12.
Juveniles and females yellow with broad blue stripe from eye to center of caudal fin. The only Halichoeres species in Caribbean region with 12 dorsal rays, all other have 11.
Adults with a broad black stripe on upper half of body; narrowing as it passes posteriorly to end in middle of caudal fin; lower half of body light blue-green; head below level of mouth blue-green, above yellow.
