Banded Wrasse

Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Coastal to outer reef slopes and drop-offs. Juveniles secretive on inshore reefs. Large adults swim openly on reefs, singly or in small loose aggregations. Several colour phases with age and sex. Females with 4 distinct white bars, black ventral  fins, and a yellow-orange caudal fin. Males with ornamental patterns on the head that change colour during courtship. Length to 45cm.