Description

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 12. Identified by the red-striped pattern and the two ocelli in the dorsal fin in juveniles and females. Another similar species in Japan that has a spotted tail and lacks the series of white blotches over the back (Ref. 48636). Juveniles closely resemble juveniles of H. biocellatus, but have a brighter metallic sheen to the rows of light green markings along the head and back (Ref. 37816).

Common Names

No common names available.

Taxonomic Hierarchy

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Teleostei

Order: Eupercaria/misc

Family: Labridae

Genus: Halichoeres

Species: Halichoeres ornatissimus (Garrett, 1863)

Climate Zone

Location

Biology

Inhabits lagoon and seaward reefs, coral-rich areas with sand patches (Ref. 9710). Benthopelagic (Ref. 58302). Feeds primarily on small benthic crustaceans and mollusks (Ref. 3921).

Habitat

associated