About Halichoeres melanurus (Bleeker, 1851)
Common Name and Native Range
Halichoeres melanurus, commonly called the tail-spot wrasse, is a species of wrasse native to the western Pacific Ocean.
Geographic Distribution
Its range extends from Japan south to the Great Barrier Reef, and east to Samoa and Tonga.
Habitat and Depth Range
This species occurs along rocky shores and on coral reefs, at depths between 1 metre (3.3 feet) and 15 metres (49.2 feet).
Maximum Size
It grows to a maximum total length of 12 centimetres (4.7 inches).
Aquarium Use
Tail-spot wrasses are popular for public aquarium displays and are traded in the commercial aquarium industry.
Male Coloration and Display Behavior
Males of the species are generally more brightly colored than females; when near one or more females, males will 'flash' their colors at a dramatically increased intensity.
Female Identification Markers
Females can be easily distinguished from males by the ocelli (eye-shaped spots) present on their dorsal and caudal fins.
