Cosmos Wrasse

Indian Ocean, a common species in the Maldives. Occurs on shallow rubble-reef patches on flats and slopes to about 20m depth. Usually in small groups swimming close to the sea bed. Small juveniles secretive amongst large rubble pieces. Juveniles with very prominent ocelli in the dorsal fin that persist to adult stages but fade in large males, just appearing as proportionally small red spot in the centre of the fin. Length to 12cm.