Tail-spot wrasse
(Halichoeres melanurus)

Classification

Species: Halichoeres melanurus

General data

Scientific names: Tail-spot wrasse
Habitat: Saltwater
Climate: Tropical
Native to coasts of: Asia, Australia & Oceania
Distribution: Indian ocean, Pacific Ocean

Indo-Pacific: from Bali, Indonesia and Western Australia to Micronesia and Samoa; north to Japan; south to Australia.
Max length : 12 cm
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-12; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 11 - 12; Vertebrae: 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.