The common wrasse Halichoeres scapularis is more often encountered on sand and rubble areas than on rich coral areas in Maldivian reef flats.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 20 cm
color
Initial-phase adults with a dark brown stripe from eye along upper side (where often zigzag) to upper caudal base; body above stripe greenish, below white. Terminal males retain the zigzag stripe on body, though broader and suffused with pink; ground colour green with blue edged pale pink spots following scale rows on sides; head green with irregular blue edged pink bands and spots.
Typically inhabiting shallow lagoons or bays, this species is usually associated with sand, rubble, or seagrass beds to depths of 12 m. It feeds on creatures that live in the sand.
distinctive characters
The dorsal fin has nine spines and eleven rays, the anal fin has three spines and eleven rays, the pectoral fin has fourteen rays, and the body depth is approximately 3.5 inches in standard length, with the pectoral fin being shorter than the pelvic fin.