About Halichoeres scapularis (Bennett, 1832)
Size
Description: The zigzag wrasse is a small fish that can reach a maximum length of 20 cm.
Body Shape
It has a thin, elongated body with a terminal mouth.
Juvenile and Female Coloration
Its color pattern varies depending on its stage of maturity. As a juvenile and a female, the zigzag wrasse has a pearly white base body color, with a black, yellow, or black-and-yellow zigzag stripe running along the lateral line.
Mature Male Lower Body Coloration
As a mature male, the body has very elaborate coloration. The area below the lateral line is pearly with a pinkish sheen. The original black or yellow line tends to disappear with age, or may be reduced to a short dash.
Mature Male Upper Body Coloration
The upper portion of the body is greenish with pink accents, extending to the base of the dorsal fin. The base of the dorsal fin is marked by a bright yellow line.
Dorsal Fin Markings
Superimposed on this yellow line are a blue line, an additional yellow line, a green line, and finally a pinkish line on the fin itself.
Eye Color
The iris of the eye is orange.
Geographical Distribution
Distribution & habitat: The zigzag wrasse is widespread across the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-West Pacific. Its range extends from the eastern coast of Africa, including the Red Sea, to the Philippines, and from New Caledonia to southern Japan.
Habitat Requirements
The zigzag wrasse prefers mixed top reef areas made up of sand, rubble, and coral, in shallow water up to 20 meters depth.
