Halichoeres cosmetus, which derives its name from the Greek word meaning "adorned" in reference to its brilliant and complex colouration, is a common wrasse found in the Maldives and is related to H. ornatissimus (Garret) of the Pacific.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 12m
color
Females pale pinky orange, striped yellow, small black spots behind the eye; two white rimmed black spots on dorsal fin. Males green with orange stripes anteriorly and bars posteriorly.
Mostly found on the inclines of reefs between 2-30 m deep, Halichoeres species feed mainly on benthic creatures. It is known that all species of Halichoeres rest in the sand during the night.
distinctive characters
The dorsal fin has nine spines and eleven (rarely twelve) rays, the anal fin has three spines and eleven rays, and the pectoral fin has twelve to fourteen rays. The body depth is between 3.2 and 4.1 inches in standard length, the head is naked, and the scales on the chest are smaller than those on the body.