Eviota sp. [zebrina cf]

Part of the Eviota zebrina species complex which includes eight described closely-related species, and likely more undescribed species in the Pacific. While E. zebrina is restricted to the Indian Ocean, the species pictured here from Vanuatu is likely an undescribed species within the complex, most closely resembling E. zebrina (Tornabene et al. 2021). 

Like some other species within the complex, the pictured specimens exhibit a red stripe through the centre of the iris, which is lacking in E. pseudozebrina described from Fiji. A light bar crosses above and below the pupil, topped by a red bar which is broken up by irregular light areas. A distinct reddish 'A' shaped blotch is seen immediately behind each eye, and naris are long and reddish brown. Lacks large red and yellow blotches on the caudal peduncle, seen E. zebrina and others within the complex.