The rather sombre Halichoeres marginatus species is often overlooked, but upon closer inspection, the male can be seen to be quite attractive.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 17 cm
color
Females dark brown, with white caudal fin and two yellow edged dark spots on dorsal fin. Males brown with dark spots on each scale forming longitudinal lines; narrow blue lines on head; green bar on caudal base; yellow streak on pectoral fin. Juveniles black with yellow stripes.
This species has a preference for coastal rocky shores and the coral-rich edges of fringing reefs down to a depth of 30 meters.
distinctive characters
The dorsal fin has nine spines and thirteen to fourteen rays, the anal fin has three spines and twelve to thirteen rays, and the pectoral fin has thirteen to fifteen rays. The body depth is two point six to three point two times the standard length, and the head is naked with scales dorsally on the nape extending to a vertical line at the rear edge of the eye.