Iniistius auropunctatus Randall, Earle & Robertson 2002

Body depth 2.75-3.2 in SL. A broad band of small scales extending from below eye to slightly below corner of mouth; 2 or 3 scales dorsoanteriorly on opercle. First and second dorsal spines flexible, about twice length of third spine, slightly longer than longest dorsal soft ray, and not separated from remainder of fin; space between 2nd and 3rd dorsal spines about 1.5 times greater than space between 3rd and 4th spines; membrane between 2nd and 3rd dorsal spines incised to about 1/3 length of 3rd dorsal spine. A small black spot a scale row below 8th lateral line scale (above tip of pectoral fin). Both sexes with a row of orange dots along lateral line and scattered dots below, posteriorly on body; females with a large roundish pink patch dorsally on abdomen containing oblique orange lines on scale edges, ending dorsally in orange spots; males with black lines variously under edges of 2nd to 6th lateral-line scales, sometimes extending to row above or below, and no pink patch on abdomen (Ref. 39775).

Distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205).

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

Inhabits sandy areas; quickly dives into the sand when threatened (Ref. 39775).

Iniistius auropunctatus is a species of marine ray-finned fish from the family Labridae, the wrasses. It is found in the Eastern Central Pacific.

This species reaches a length of 12.9 cm (5.1 in).