Macropharyngodon ornatus Randall 1978

Brown to greenish with pearly to metallic-green spots along scale rows (Ref. 48636). Females reddish anteriorly, shading to blackish posteriorly, with greenish yellow spots edged in blue and black (1 per scale) on body and similar spots and irregular bands on head. Males similar in colour to females, with no black humeral spot (Ref 9823).

Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205).

Dorsal soft rays (total): 11; Analsoft rays: 11

Inhabits lagoon and sheltered seaward reefs, in areas with mixed sand, rubble, and coral to at least 30 m. Occurs singly or in small groups (Ref. 9710).

aquarium: commercial