Color Phases and Distribution of the Western Atlantic Labrid Fish, Halichoeres socialis
Halichoeres socialis was recently described as a new species of labrid fish from Caribbean reefs off Belize, Central America. The initial description was based upon a collection of initial phase juveniles, females, and males. Subsequently, the colorful terminal male phase was photographed, collected, and is now described. This species is, so far, known only from the mangrove cays, inside the barrier reef system of Belize.Abstract
Halichoeres socialis. (A) Terminal male in full colors with two females. (B) Terminal male feeding on plankton. (C) Two males with slightly different color patterns. The larger male in (C) appears to be beginning its change to the terminal phase. (D) A harem of one male and five females, same male as in (B).
Contributor Notes
Associate Editor: D. Buth.