Yellowhead wrasse
Halichoeres garnoti
(Valenciennes, 1839)
Description:
Terminal phase: Anterior part of the body and the head yellow. Halfway the body there is a black cross-band that curves backward at the dorsal fin and runs along its base to the tail. Rear body and tail dark blue to green. Two wavy lines radiate from the rear of the upper part of the eye.
Size up to 19 cm.
Initial phase: Body with a yellow belly and a dark to dusky back, often shaded with blue. Color shadings highly variable, especially intermediates between terminal and juveniles phases. Two wavy lines radiate from the rear of the upper part of the eye (H. garnoti-initial phase).
Juvenile phase: Usually bright yellow, rarely shading to reddish gold, with a brilliant blue midbody stripe.
Habitat:
Common in shallow water near coral growths, down to 80 m.
Distribution:
Common Florida, Bahamas and Caribbean.