Photo of Animalia: Tailspot Wrasse (species: Halichoeres melanurus)

This aquarium photo of a fish from Lizard Island is tentatively identified as Halichoeres melanurus, possibly transitioning to a male. It lacks the characteristic black tail tip and has only very indistinct pale bars on upper side. It does have the characteristic yellow pectoral-fin base with small black spot at upper front, a darker patch behind the pectoral fin, and a blue tail with distinctive pink markings.

© Simon Gingins