Halichoeres ornatissimus (Garrett, 1863)
Ornamented wrasse
Halichoeres ornatissimus
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Corinae
Max. size:  18 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 4 - 15 m
Distribution:  Pacific Ocean: Cocos (Ref. 9399) and Christmas (Ref. 30874) islands in the eastern Indian Ocean to the Hawaiian, Marquesan and Tuamoto islands, north to southern Japan, south to the Great Barrier Reef.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-12; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 12-12. Identified by the red-striped pattern and the two ocelli in the dorsal fin in juveniles and females. Another similar species in Japan that has a spotted tail and lacks the series of white blotches over the back (Ref. 48636). Juveniles closely resemble juveniles of H. biocellatus, but have a brighter metallic sheen to the rows of light green markings along the head and back (Ref. 37816).
Biology:  Inhabits lagoon and seaward reefs, coral-rich areas with sand patches (Ref. 9710). Benthopelagic (Ref. 58302). Feeds primarily on small benthic crustaceans and mollusks (Ref. 3921).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 July 2010 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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