Description

The Blackeye Thicklip Wrasse or Half-and-Half Wrasse (Hemigymnus Melapterus) is a species of fish belonging to the Wrasse family. It is native to the Indo-Pacific, and is a medium-sized fish that can reach a maximum length of 16.6″ inches. Its body is high, relatively flattened, its head is large and its terminal mouth has thick lips.

Its body coloration varies according to age. Juvenile Blackeye Thicklip Wrasse or Half-and-Half Wrasse have a greenish yellow background color with yellow vertical lines, a broad white diagonal band just behind the operculum, an orange caudal fin and a greenish gray front. Mature females are green behind the oblique line, with black-rimmed scales. A complex tangle of pink lines underlined with turquoise crosses from the top of the snout to the head. Mature male Blackeye Thicklip Wrasse or Half-and-Half Wrasse also have an emerald green stripe behind each scale and a blue rim around the eye; the top of the snout and head are green with pink patterns highlighted in turquoise.