Wrasse ID

[lhartz01]

So, I've had this wrasse for about 1.5 years and always assumed it was a melanurus. It's probably 4-5 inches.

Looking closer I notice the rear spot is not on the tail/body but rather the end of the dorsal fin.

Every picture I can find of a melanurus online shows the spot on the tail/body. I'm far from an expert and have no idea.

Crappy cell pone pics attached! Thanks!

 

[gone fishin]

Check out adorned wrasse, H. cosmetus

 

[lhartz01]

Sure looks like it.

Thanks! Gives me something to read up on.

 

[Moort82]

As above cosmetus. Much paler blue but near identical behaviour.

 

[ostrow]

The best way to distinguish cosmetus from melanarus is that the lines on the body break at the eye on the cosmetus, but proceed through on the melanarus.

Many fish are sold as cosmetus when they are melanarus, which can be an issue as the latter are much more aggressive when larger.