Argus wrasse (Halichoeres argus)

Scientific name: Halichoeres argus Bloch & Schneider, 1801

Argus wrasse (Halichoeres argus)

The Argus wrasse (Halichoeres argus) is a marine fish of the family Labridae. Native range: Indo-West Pacific, Sri Lanka to Fiji and Tonga, north to Taiwan, south to northern Australia.

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-12; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 11 - 12; Vertebrae: 25. Young green when in seagrasses and greenish brown on reefs. Recognized by the unusual color patterns on the cheek or the black spotted scales over the back. Preserved male specimens with pale spots on scales; dark spot behind eye (continuous with a bifurcating dark band which extends ventrally); another on opercle; a dark band on snout from upper lip to eye; head with bands; spot on upper caudal base may be present or absent (present in females). Anterior lateral line scales with 1-3 pores (usually 2); 5-6 suborbital pores. Anterior dorsal and anal soft rays longer than posterior rays; pelvic fins of males relatively short, not reaching anus.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Halichoeres argus
Family
Labridae (Wrasses)
Order
Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
12.0
Environment
Marine; reef-associated
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Indo-West Pacific: Sri Lanka to Fiji and Tonga, north to Taiwan, south to northern Australia.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: commercial
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

More wrasses

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Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

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