Wrasse ID

[EvMiBo]

I bought this as a Hoeven's wrasse, (H. melanurus) about 6 years ago, but have always thought it might be Richmond's Wrasse (H. richmondi). Any thoughts??

Hoeven's Wrasse (H. melanurus)

Richmond's Wrasse (H. richmondi)

 

[evolved]

I feel pretty strongly it is not richmondi.

The question in my head is melanurus versus vrolikii. But based on a few subtle characteristics, right now I'm going with the latter.

 

[Ralph ATL]

melanurus...

 

[hogfanreefer]

I was thinking H. chrysotaneia also but I thought the tail markings were more dots not lines on them?

 

[EvMiBo]

Thanks for the input everyone. I'm still not 100% convinced it's a melanurus though, the melanurus I've seen that are still female like her have more orange in their face already. Vrolik's Wrasse, (Halichoeres vrolikii/chrysotaenia) was another on the list of maybe's... I'll try to get some better pictures. Maybe I'll just have to wait a couple more years before she goes more terminal phase.

 

[MIKE NY]

I've had all three and it's not a Richmodi. The Melanarus and Vroliks are very similar in appearance especially at that stage. If I remember my Vroliks had more of a chain design lines rather than the solid lines that the Melanarus had at terminal phase.

 

[EvMiBo]

Thanks for the input. Here are a couple more pics... Sorry in advance for the ugly cyano.

 

[TangingOut]

It looks like every transitioning melanurus I've ever seen.

 

[eatbreakfast]

Richmonds have a narrower face than the one pictured.