Bleeding Heart Wrasse

Widespread West Pacific. Coastal, shallow and usually algae-rocky reefs. Often in moderate surge zones. One of several similar species that have near identical juvenile and female stages. Males can be distinguished  by their different cheek patterns, and this species has a near horizontal pink band below the eye. Juveniles are most similar to Halichoeres nebulosus, but are more slender. Length to 12cm.