Halichoeres melasmapomus Randall, 1981
Cheekspot wrasse
Halichoeres melasmapomus
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Corinae
Max. size:  24 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 10 - 56 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Cocos-Keeling Island and Rowley Shoals in the eastern Indian Ocean to the Marquesas and Pitcairn islands.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-12; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 12-12; Vertebrae: 25-25. Fresh male specimens reddish brown dorsally, reddish ventrally; head with green bands; upper opercle with a large blue-edged black spot, rimmed with blue and red; 3 succession of spots behind eye. Large females may be similar in color with males but with a black spot on branched caudal rays; smaller ones have 3 black spots on dorsal fin base. Anterior lateral line scales with 2-7 pores, more in larger adults; 9-13 suborbital pores. Pelvic fins reaching or nearly reaching anus in large adults.
Biology:  Common around patches of rubble or mixed rubble and coral along steep drop-offs (Ref. 1602) at 10-56 m depth (Ref. 90102). Feeds on benthic invertebrates (Ref. 89972).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 25 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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