Halichoeres socialis: A New Labrid Fish from Belize
A new labrid fish, Halichoeres socialis is described from specimens collected in mangrove islets off Belize at depths from less than 1 m to 7 m over coral, sand, rubble, or seagrass substrata. This species feeds in small aggregations on zooplankton and forms evasive schools when threatened. Its small size (largest, 36.4 mm SL, with mature females as small as 27.4 mm) at maturity and at maximum length is unique for the genus. Halichoeres socialis is similar to juveniles of Halichoeres pictus, but it differs in having a black ocellus on its caudal fin base, which is absent in juvenile and female H. pictus.Abstract
Halichoeres socialis n. sp., holotype, USNM 352854, male, 34 mm SL. Drawing by E. Heemstra
Halichoeres socialis n. sp. (middle) and Haemulon aurolineatum (upper and lower) coexisting in midwater aggregations, Tunicate Cove, Pelican Cays, Belize. An example of social mimicry
Halichoeres socialis n. sp., Tunicate Cove, Pelican Cay, Belize. A size series from the largest (43.6 mm SL) to the smallest (11.8 mm SL) specimens collected. The black ocellus on the caudal peduncle is not found on the females or juveniles of other Caribbean Halichoeres species