Halichoeres leucoxanthus, a popular aquarium fish like many other wrasses, is very closely related to the all yellow H. chrysus Randall of the Pacific and Eastern Indian Ocean.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 11 cm
color
Yellow above, white below. Four black spots on front middle and rear of dorsal fin and caudal base. Posterior three spots lost in mature adults.
This species is typically found on coral reefs between depths of 10-60 meters. Within the atoll, it is commonly seen near the bottom of the reef slope, where the reef meets the floor of the atoll basin. It feeds on small benthic creatures.
distinctive characters
The dorsal fin has nine spines and twelve rays, the anal fin has three spines and twelve rays, and the pectoral fin has thirteen rays. The body depth is 3.5 to 3.9 times the standard length, and the third anal spine is 4.1 to 4.4 times the head length.