Wrasse questions

[Hifiguy]

I think I have picked up a Halichoeres marginatus that was labeled as a Halichoeres melanurus

anyone know anything about Halichoeres marginatus??

It could also possibly be Anampses caeruleopunctatus or possibly even Labrichthys unilineatus.

The one that is most likely is Halichoeres marginatus since it was confused with the malanurus wrasse.

Thanks
Shaun

 

[jpslickorocks]

Where did you get him? Any pics? I am curious now because I have a melanarus wrasse

 

[Hifiguy]

I got him from pets Inc. They were questioning the ID of Halichoeres melanurus as well.

I will get a picture once he comes out of the sandbed. He is sleeping in late today I guess. (he was up till at least 4 in the morning because so was I so he is probably tired lol)

There are some obvious differences mainly the large bump on the forehead. If you do a search for Halichoeres marginatus you will come up with some pictures to take a look for your own comparison purposes jp. I have seen a decent amount of melanarus wrasses and they all look very similar. This one really looks different but its hard to describe. I will just have to wait for him to wake up so I can take some picts.

Shaun

 

[jpslickorocks]

I am very curious. I googled the name you put up (which I am sure you did too) and did not come up with much. I would put a post in the reef fishes forum. There are a couple guys in there that are very "wrasse" knowlagable

 

[Hifiguy]

OK so here are some pictures.

This fish has one noticeable trait that I cant find in the books. His pectoral fins have coloration on them about half the length of the fins. Most of The Wrasses I know have fairly transparent pectoral fins.

Please remember these pictures are not that good so ignore the blury focus.

Over all picture:

Pictures of the pectoral fins:

Some overall pictures to get a sense of how this fish looks:

What do you guys think?

I dont think it looks much like Halichoeres melanurus

Here is reference shot of Halichoeres melanurus:

 

[Hifiguy]

OK im moving this to the Reef Fishes forum so comment there from now on please.

NEW THREAD

Thanks
Shaun

 

[Philwd]

halichoeres lamarii. Found it in Kuiter's.

 

[blueshape]

Damn your good Phil!!

 

[Philwd]

 

[Pyrrhus]

Yeah, but the real question is what is the true scientific name. Halichoeres lamarii is not listed on fishbase, nor are the synonyms, Julis lamarii, or halichoeres lamarii annularis.

 

[Pyrrhus]

should have read the other thread first.

 

[random_ryan]

Thats a wonderful looking fish you got there

 

[Philwd]

Don't know why Kuiter lists them separate. The pics he has look very different also. But Skip is right. When I checked the fish databases it is a synonym. All except one where it was still considered a valid name. Wierd.

Nice fish. Good luck.

 

[Hifiguy]

Yea it is strange how this one is listed. Its almost like they were once seperate and now they are saying all those fish were really one to begin with.

Its a little confusing.

The main thing is that the fish is eating and doing well.

He keeps rather odd hours. Dosent get up till about 2-pm (almost exactly 2- pm) and seems to go to bed late. Maybe that is what he schedule is where he came from not sure.

We will see if he changes to the new schedule or not.

Shaun