Lightning Wrasse

Juveniles and females yellow with broad blue stripe from eye to center of caudal fin. The only Halichoeres species in Caribbean region with 12 dorsal rays, all other have 11 (Ref. 26938). Adults with a broad black stripe on upper half of body; narrowing as it passes posteriorly to end in middle of caudal fin; lower half of body light blue-green; head below level of mouth blue-green, above yellow (Ref. 13442).

Distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205).

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

Highly mobile, diurnal feeders and foraging methods include scanning and picking small prey, following other fishes, and even use of anvil rocks (Ref. 31373). Micro/macroinvertivore (Ref. 33499).

Found over hard substrates (Ref. 9626). Juveniles up to 8 cm act as specialized cleaners. Each individual tends a defined cleaning station sought by several species of reef fishes including damselfishes, goatfishes, and surgeonfishes. At the cleaning station this wrasse swims in a characteristic seesaw motion (Ref. 31373). Occasionally caught by anglers. Generally of no interest to fisheries because of its small average size (Ref. 5217). Found at 9 m in Belize (Ref. 26938).

gamefish: yes; aquarium: commercial

Halichoeres cyanocephalus, or the yellowcheek wrasse, is a species of salt water wrasse found in the Western Atlantic Ocean, from Florida to Brazil.