Halichoeres malpelo
Malpelo wrasse
Same Genus
![Halichoeres sp. [orientalis]](https://images.reeflifesurvey.com/0/species_c9_574515caa4dd2.w400.h266.jpg)
Distribution
Localised
Description
Adults blue-grey with dark scale edges, blue scribbles on face, a blotch on rear corner of gill cover and a red eye. Initial phase pink with a white belly and a yellow head. Juveniles pale with two red stripes, and a black spot or rear corner of gill cover. Found near reefs over coarse sand and gravel. Found only around Malpelo Island.
Information
Max Size: 15 cm
Sea Temperature Range: 26.2-27.6°C
Depth: 7-20m
Habitat Generalization Index: N/A
Also referred to as the SGI (Species Generalisation Index), this describes the habitat niche breadth of the species. Species with values less than 15 are found in a relatively narrow range of reef habitat types (specialists), while those over 25 may be found on most hard substrates within their range (generalists). Learn more here.
Conservation and Rarity
IUCN Status: Vulnerable
Occurrence: Widespread (63.6% of sites)
Occurrence describes how often the species is found on surveys within its distribution. It is calculated as the % of reef sites surveyed by RLS divers across all the ecoregions in which the species has been observed
Abundance: Large aggregations (103 per transect)
Abundance is calculated as the average number of individuals recorded per RLS transect, where present.
Edit by: Joe Shields