About Halichoeres chloropterus (Bloch, 1791)
Nomenclature
The pastel-green wrasse, with the scientific name Halichoeres chloropterus, also goes by the common names black-blotched rainbowfish, black-blotched wrasse, dark-blotch wrasse, and green-spotted wrasse. It is a species of wrasse native to the central western Pacific Ocean.
Habitat
This species lives on coral reefs and the surrounding areas, at depths ranging from the surface down to 10 meters (33 feet).
Coloration
The coloration of individual pastel-green wrasses changes based on their habitat: fish living in areas with heavy algal growth are bright green, while individuals in rubble areas are paler or have dark bars.
Size
This species can grow to a standard length of 19 centimeters (7.5 inches).
Human Relevance
It has minor importance to local commercial fisheries, and is also available in the aquarium trade.
