Axil Spot Wrasse

Live females pinkish anteriorly; a black on each scale except those on thorax and most of the abdomen; head light salmon; a small dark spot behind eye; a broad transverse black band at the middle of the pelvic fins. Head of male greenish with irregular light-red bands; no black band between pelvic fins. Anterior lateral line scales with 1-3 pores; 8-13 suborbital pores. Anterior dorsal and anal soft rays longer than posterior rays; pelvic fins of males reaching the anus. Juveniles recognized by the green tail (Ref. 48636).

Distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205).

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 12; Vertebrae: 25

Inhabits outer reef flats and upper slopes of coastal reefs to depths over 25 m (Ref. 9710), with rich coral and hydrozoan growth. Found on sand-rubble fringe, coastal and lagoon reefs at 2-12 m (Ref. 90102). Usually seen solitary (Ref. 48636).

aquarium: commercial

Halichoeres podostigma, the axil spot wrasse, is a species of salt water wrasse found in the Western Central Pacific Ocean.