Scientific Name
Halichoeres cyanocephalus
Common Name
Yellowcheek wrasse
Biology
Dorsal
spines
(total): 9;
Dorsal
soft rays
(total): 12;
Anal
spines: 3;
Anal
soft rays: 12. Juveniles and females yellow with broad blue stripe from eye to center of caudal fin. The only Halichoeres species in Caribbean region with 12 dorsal rays, all other have 11 (Ref. 26938). Adults with a broad black stripe on upper half of body; narrowing as it passes posteriorly to end in middle of caudal fin; lower half of body light blue-green; head below level of mouth blue-green, above yellow (Ref. 13442).