Labridae

Fricke, Ronald, Allen, Gerald R., Andréfouët, Serge, Chen, Wei-Jen, Hamel, Mélanie A., Laboute, Pierre, Mana, Ralph, Hui, Tan Heok & Uyeno, Daisuke, 2014, Checklist of the marine and estuarine fishes of Madang District, Papua New Guinea, western Pacific Ocean, with 820 new records, Zootaxa 3832 (1), pp. 1-247 : 125-140

Labridae

Anampses caeruleopunctatus Rüppell, 1829 —Blue-spotted wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens observed and photographed at St. CTR 0 7, CTR 0 8, CTR 12.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Red Sea and East Africa, Madagascar and Mascarenes east to Wake, Line and Easter islands, north to southern Japan, south to Rowley Shoals (Western Australia), New South Wales ( Australia), Lord Howe and Kermadec islands, and Rapa. Found in the surge zone of coral reefs or rocky coasts, 3– 30 m. Marine.

Anampses geographicus Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1840 —Geographic wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens photographed at St. CTR 26.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Central Indonesia east to Caroline Islands and Fiji, north to Ryukyu Islands, south to northern Australia and Lord Howe Island. Found in coastal and seaward reefs, 0– 25 m. Marine.

Anampses melanurus Bleeker, 1857 —Blacktail wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on a specimen photographed by A. Berberian. DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Central Indonesia east to Marshall, Marquesas and Society islands, north to Ryukyu and Ogasawara islands, south to northwestern Australia and New Caledonia. Found in coastal and seaward reefs, 1– 40 m. Marine.

Anampses meleagrides Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1839 —Yellowtail wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. First record from Madang by Allen & Erdmann (2012: 634). Specimens observed and photographed at St. CTR 16, CTR 26, CTR 30, CTR 31. USNM material.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Red Sea, East and South Africa east to Samoa and Tuamotu Archipelago, north to southern Japan and Ogasawara Islands, south to New Caledonia. Found in areas of mixed coral, rubble, consolidated limestone, and sand of seaward coral reefs, or in soft coral or sponge habitats, 3– 60 m. Marine.

Anampses neoguinaicus Bleeker, 1878 —New Guinea wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens photographed at St. CTR 10. DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Indonesia east to Palau and Fiji, north to southern Japan, south to northern Australia and New Caledonia. Solitary, in coral-rich habitats of seaward reef slopes, 4– 30 m. Marine.

Bodianus anthioides (Bennett, 1832) —Lyretail hogfish

STATUS AT MADANG. First record from Madang by Kailola (1987b: 366). Specimens observed and photographed at St. CTR 13, CTR 32. BPBM material.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Red Sea, East and South Africa, Madagascar and Mascarenes east to Wake and Marshall islands, and Henderson ( Pitcairn Group), north to southern Japan, south to Western Australia, New Caledonia and Austral Islands. Found in coral and rocky reefs rich with invertebrates such as gorgonians, seawhips and black corals, common on steep outer slopes, 6– 60 m. Marine.

Bodianus axillaris (Bennett, 1832) —Axilspot hogfish

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens observed and photographed at St. CTR 0 3, CTR 0 4, CTR 0 6, CTR 0 7, CTR 0 8, CTR 11, CTR 12, CTR 13, CTR 14, CTR 15, CTR 16, CTR 20, CTR 21, CTR 22, CTR 23, CTR 25, CTR 26, CTR 27, CTR 28, CTR 31, CTR 32, CTR 33, CTR 35. WAM material (WAM P.30350-023)

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Red Sea, East and South Africa, Madagascar and Mascarenes east to Line Islands and Pitcairn Group, north to southern Japan and Marshall Islands, south to Western Australia, Lord Howe Island and Rapa. Found in clear lagoon and seaward coral and rocky reefs, 2– 80 m. Marine.

Bodianus bimaculatus Allen, 1973 —Twospot slender hogfish

STATUS AT MADANG. First record from Madang by Kailola (1987b: 366); record verified by Gomon (2006: 26); photographed by A. Berberian. BPBM material.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Madagascar and western Mascarenes east to Palau and New Caledonia, north to southern Japan, south to northern New Zealand. Found around rubble and sand in steep outer coral reef slopes and drop-offs, usually adjacent to very deep water, 30– 60 m. Marine.

Bodianus dictynna Gomon, 2006 —Redfin hogfish

STATUS AT MADANG. Recorded from Madang in original description by Gomon (2006: 59). BPBM material. Specimens observed and photographed at St. CTR 0 3, CTR 0 4, CTR 13, CTR 16. WAM material. DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Indonesia east to Marshall and Phoenix island, north to southern Japan, south to northern Australia and New Caledonia. Solitary or in pairs, on slopes of seaward reefs, 5– 37 m. Marine.

Bodianus mesothorax (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) —Split-level hogfish

STATUS AT MADANG. First record from Madang by Gomon (2006: 69). Specimens observed and photographed at St. CTR 0 3, CTR 0 7, and collected by W.-J. Chen in Madang Bay. AMS, CAS, NTUM, ROM and USNM material.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Andaman Sea and Indonesia east to Caroline Islands and Fiji, north to Ryukyu and Ogasawara islands, south to northern Australia and New Caledonia. Found on slopes of seaward reefs and in passes, 1– 40 m. Marine.

Cheilinus chlorourus (Bloch, 1791) —Floral wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens observed, photographed and collected at St. CTR 0 1, CTR 0 3, CTR 0 7, CTR 0 8, CTR 10, CTR 12, CTR 13, CTR 14, CTR 15, CTR 16, CTR 17, CTR 22, CTR 25, CTR 26. MNHN material (MNHN uncat.).

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. East and South Africa and Mascarenes east to Wake, Marquesas and Gambier islands, north to southern Japan, south to Western Australia, Queensland ( Australia), Elizabeth and Middleton reefs, and Rapa. Found in lagoon and coastal coral reefs, in areas with mixed sand, rubble, and coral, 0– 30 m. Marine.

Cheilinus fasciatus (Bloch, 1791) —Red-breasted wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens observed and photographed at St. CTR 0 3, CTR 0 4, CTR 0 5, CTR 0 6, CTR 0 7, CTR 0 8, CTR 11, CTR 12, CTR 13, CTR 13B, CTR 15, CTR 16, CTR 18, CTR 19, CTR 22, CTR 23, CTR 27, CTR 28, CTR 31. AMS and USNM material (AMS I.16658-001, I.17089-033; USNM 355703, 355704).

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Red Sea and East Africa, Madagascar and Mascarenes east to Wake and Marshall islands, Samoa and Tonga, south to northern Australia and New Caledonia. Found in lagoon and seaward coral or rocky reefs, usually in areas with mixed coral, sand, and rubble, 3– 60 m. Marine.

Cheilinus oxycephalus Bleeker, 1853 —Snooty wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens observed, photographed and collected at St. CTR 0 1, CTR 0 6, CTR 0 7, CTR 0 8. AMS, MNHN, ROM and USNM material (AMS I.17088-067; MNHN uncat.; ROM 67123; USNM 355654, 355660, 355670).

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. East and South Africa, Madagascar and Mascarenes east to Marquesas and Gambier islands, north to southern Japan, south to northern Australia, New Caledonia and Austral Islands. Found in coral-rich areas of lagoon and seaward coral reefs, 1– 40 m. Marine.

Cheilinus trilobatus Lacepède [ex Commerson ], 1801 —Tripletail wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens observed at St. CTR 0 3. WAM material (WAM P.29624-023)

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. East and South Africa, Madagascar and Mascarenes east to Wake and Gambier islands, north to southern Japan, south to Western Australia, New Caledonia and Austral Islands. Found along shallow reef margins with good coral cover, 1– 30 m. Marine.

Cheilinus undulatus Rüppell, 1835 —Humphead wrasse, Napoleon

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens observed and photographed at St. CTR 16, CTR 22, CTR 30.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Red Sea and East Africa, Madagascar and western Mascarenes east to Tuamotu Archipelago, north to Ryukyu Islands, south to Lord Howe Island. Found on steep outer reef slopes, channel slopes, and lagoon reefs; juveniles are encountered in coral-rich areas of lagoon reefs, where staghorn Acropora corals abound; also in algal reefs or seagrass; adults rove across the reefs by day and rest in reef caves and under coral ledges at night, 1– 60 m. Marine.

Cheilio inermis (Forsskål in Niebuhr, 1775) —Cigar wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens observed and photographed at St. CTR 23, CTR 30.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Red Sea, East and South Africa, Madagascar and Mascarenes east to Hawaiian and Easter islands, north to southern Japan, south to Western Australia, New South Wales ( Australia), Lord Howe and Norfolk islands, and Rapa. Found in seagrass beds and algal-covered flats, adjacent to lagoon and seaward coral reefs, 1– 30 m. Marine.

Choerodon anchorago (Bloch, 1791) —Anchor tuskfish

STATUS AT MADANG. First record from Madang by Parenti & Allen (1991: 319). Specimens observed and photographed at St. CTR 0 5, CTR 11, CTR 17, CTR 23. CAS material.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Indonesia east to Yap ( Caroline Islands), Palau and New Guinea, north to Ryukyu Islands, south to Queensland ( Australia) and New Caledonia. Solitary, in seagrass, sand and rubble areas near sheltered coral reefs, 1– 25 m. Marine.

Choerodon schoenleinii (Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1839) —Blackspot tuskfish STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on a specimen photographed at St. CTR 16. DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Indonesia east to Philippines and New Guinea, north to Ryukyu Islands, south to northern Australia. Solitary, in sand-rubble and seagrass areas adjacent to lagoon and seaward coral reefs, 10– 60 m. Marine.

Cirrhilabrus beauperryi Allen, Drew & Barber, 2008 —Purple fairy-wrasse ( Fig. 18 )

STATUS AT MADANG. Reported from Madang in original description by Allen et al. (2008: 129); previously recorded as Cirrhilabrus temminckii (non Bleeker, 1853) by Kailola (1975: 186). Specimens observed and photographed at St. CTR 0 7, CTR 0 9, CTR 12, CTR 13, CTR 14, CTR 16, CTR 19, CTR 20, CTR 21, CTR 22, CTR 23, CTR 24, CTR 27, CTR 28, CTR 32, CTR 33, CTR 35; also photographed by A. Berberian, and collected by W.-J. Chen in Madang Bay. KFRS and NTUM material.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Endemic to northeastern Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands. Solitary or in small groups, on coral rubble adjacent to lagoon reefs or slopes of seaward reefs, 5– 32 m. Marine.

Cirrhilabrus condei Allen & Randall, 1996 —Condé's fairy-wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. Originally described from Madang by Allen & Randall (1996: 102, figs. 1–2). BPBM and CAS material.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. New Guinea to northern Queensland ( Australia). On coral rubble adjacent to lagoon reefs or slopes of seaward reefs, 5– 70 m. Marine.

Cirrhilabrus exquisitus Smith, 1957 —Exquisite fairy-wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens photographed at St. CTR 16. WAM material (WAM P.30376-007).

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. East Africa east to Line and Tuamotu islands, north to Ryukyu Islands, south to northern Australia. Found in mixed coral-rubble habitats of seaward reef slopes, 5– 30 m. Marine.

Cirrhilabrus walindi Allen & Randall, 1996 — Walindi fairy-wrasse ( Fig. 19 ) STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on a specimen photographed by P. Laboute on 4 Dec. 2012, St. PR 0 60, at 45 m depth.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Endemic to northeastern Papua New Guinea. Found on rubble bottoms of steep seaward coral reef slopes, 20– 45 m. Marine.

Coris dorsomacula Fowler, 1908 —Pale-barred coris

STATUS AT MADANG. First record from Madang by Randall (1999a: 34). BPBM material. DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Eastern Indonesia east to Philippines and Fiji, north to southern Japan and Ogasawara Islands, south to northern New Zealand. Solitary, on sand-rubble bottoms adjacent to coral reefs, 2– 40 m. Marine.

Coris gaimard (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824) —Yellowtail coris

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens observed, photographed and collected at St. CTR 0 3, CTR 0 4, CTR 0 9, CTR 14, CTR 15, CTR 16, CTR 21, CTR 22, CTR 24, CTR 34.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Cocos-Keeling and Christmas islands (eastern Indian Ocean) and Indonesia east to Hawaiian and Tuamotu islands, north to southern Japan and Ogasawara Islands, south to northern Australia and Lord Howe Island. Solitary, on sand-rubble bottoms adjacent to coral reefs, 1– 50 m. Marine.

Cymolutes praetextatus (Quoy & Gaimard, 1834) —Knife razorwrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens observed by G. R. Allen.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. South and East Africa, Madagascar and western Mascarenes east to Society Islands, north to Mariana Islands, south to Rowley Shoals (Western Australia), Norfolk Island and Tonga. Found on reef flats and in shallow lagoons, in sandy, current-swept areas with rubble and seagrass, 1– 6 m. Marine.

Diproctacanthus xanthurus (Bleeker, 1856) —Yellowtail tubelip

STATUS AT MADANG. First record from Madang by Kailola (1987b: 369). Specimens observed and photographed at St. CTR 0 5, CTR 0 6, CTR 0 7, CTR 0 8, CTR 10, CTR 11, CTR 14, CTR 15, CTR 16, CTR 17, CTR 19, CTR 20, CTR 21, CTR 25, CTR 26, CTR 27. USNM material.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Eastern Andaman Sea and Indonesia east to Palau and New Guinea, north to Philippines, south to northern Australia and New Caledonia. Solitary, in sheltered coral reefs; young fishes remove parasites from other fishes, 2– 25 m. Marine.

Epibulus brevis Carlson, Randall & Dawson, 2008 —Latent slingjaw wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on a specimen photographed by A. Berberian. DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Central Indonesia east to Palau and Papua New Guinea. Found in coastal and seaward reefs, 5– 15 m. Marine.

Epibulus insidiator (Pallas, 1770) —Slingjaw wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens observed and collected at St. CTR 0 1, CTR 0 3, CTR 0 6, CTR 0 7, CTR 17, CTR 21, CTR 26. AMS, CAS, MNHN, USNM and WAM material (AMS I.17088-068; CAS 65814, 65816, 65817, 65818, 65819, 65820; MNHN uncat.; USNM 384833, 384835; WAM P.30353-011)

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Red Sea, East and South Africa, Madagascar and Mascarenes east to Hawaiian and Gambier islands, north to southern Japan, south to Western Australia, Queensland ( Australia), New Caledonia and Tonga. Found in coral-rich areas of lagoon and seaward reefs, 1– 42 m. Marine.

Gomphosus varius Lacepède, 1801 —Pacific bird wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens observed and photographed at St. CTR 0 1, CTR 0 2, CTR 0 3, CTR 0 5, CTR 0 7, CTR 0 8, CTR 12, CTR 13, CTR 14, CTR 15, CTR 16, CTR 22, CTR 25, CTR 27, CTR 35.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Indonesia east to Hawaiian and Tuamotu islands, north to southern Japan and Ogasawara Islands, south to northern Australia, Lord Howe and Norfolk islands. Solitary, juveniles in groups, in coral-rich areas of lagoon and seaward coral reefs, 0– 35 m. Marine.

Halichoeres argus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) — Argus wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens observed at St. CTR 0 3, CTR 22, CTR 23, and a specimen photographed by A. Berberian.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Eastern Andaman Sea and Indonesia east to Fiji, north to Taiwan, south to New Caledonia. Solitary or in groups, in seagrass habitats or adjacent coral or rocky reefs, 0– 15 m. Marine.

Halichoeres binotopsis (Bleeker, 1849) —Saowisata wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens photographed by A. Berberian and P. Laboute (St. PR 140).

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Central Indonesia east to Philippines and northern Papua New Guinea. Found in coral-rich areas of reefs and lagoons, 2– 8 m. Marine.

Halichoeres biocellatus Schultz in Schultz, Chapman, Lachner & Woods, 1960 —Twospot wrasse STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens and photographed observed at St. CTR 0 1, CTR 0 2, CTR 0 3, CTR 0 6, CTR 11, CTR 25.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Central Indonesia east to Caroline Islands and Samoa, north to southern Japan, south to northern Australia and New Caledonia. Found in small groups, in seaward coral reefs, 1– 35 m. Marine.

Halichoeres chlorocephalus Kuiter & Randall, 1995 —Greenhead wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. Originally described from Madang by Kuiter & Randall (1995: 110, figs. 5–8). Specimens observed and photographed at St. CTR 0 5, CTR 23, CTR 26. BPBM material.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Endemic to northern and northeastern Papua New Guinea including New Britain. Found in small groups, in silty coastal or lagoon reefs, 15– 30 m. Marine.

Halichoeres chloropterus (Bloch, 1791) —Pastel-green wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens observed at St. CTR 0 1, CTR 0 2, CTR 0 6, CTR 11, CTR 23, CTR 26. WAM material (WAM P.29624-014)

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Eastern Andaman Sea and Indonesia east to Palau and New Guinea, north to Philippines, south to Queensland ( Australia) and New Caledonia. Solitary or in small groups, on sand-rubble bottoms adjacent to silty coastal or lagoon reefs, 0– 10 m. Marine.

Halichoeres chrysus Randall, 1981 —Canary wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. First record from Madang by Kailola (1987b: 369). Specimens observed, photographed and collected at St. CTR 0 4, CTR 13, CTR 16, CTR 20, CTR 21, CTR 35. BPBM, ROM and SMF material. DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Indonesia east to Marshall and Phoenix islands, north to southern Japan, south to northern Australia and New Caledonia. Found in small groups, on sand-rubble bottom adjacent to coral reefs, 2– 70 m. Marine.

Halichoeres claudia Randall & Rocha, 2009 —Claudia's wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens photographed at St. CTR 26. DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Cocos-Keeling and Christmas islands (eastern Indian Ocean) and Indonesia east to Line and Tuamotu islands, north to Philippines, south to New Caledonia. Solitary, in slopes of seaward coral reefs, 1– 35 m. Marine.

Halichoeres hartzfeldii (Bleeker, 1852) —Checkerboard wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. First record from Madang by Kailola (1987b: 369). Specimens observed at St. CTR 0 1, CTR 0 3, CTR 0 6, CTR 0 7, CTR 11, CTR 14, CTR 15, CTR 23.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Central Indonesia east to Caroline Islands and Samoa, north to southern Japan, south to northern Australia and New Caledonia. Found in small groups, on sand-rubble bottoms adjacent to coral reefs, 1– 40 m. Marine.

Halichoeres hortulanus (Lacepède, 1801) —Goldstripe wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens observed and photographed at St. CTR 0 3, CTR 0 4, CTR 0 5, CTR 0 6, CTR 0 7, CTR 0 8, CTR 10, CTR 11, CTR 13, CTR 14, CTR 15, CTR 16, CTR 16B, CTR 19, CTR 20, CTR 22, CTR 23, CTR 25, CTR 26, CTR 28, CTR 31. CAS material (CAS 65821, 65822, 65823, 65824).

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Red Sea and East Africa, Madagascar and Mascarenes east to Tuamotu Archipelago, north to southern Japan and Ogasawara Islands, south to Rowley Shoals (Western Australia), New South Wales ( Australia), Lord Howe Island and Tonga. Found on sand patches of lagoon and seaward coral reefs, also on slopes to moderate depths along drop-offs, juveniles at the bottom of surge channels, 0– 30 m. Marine.

Halichoeres leucurus (Walbaum, 1792) —Chain-lined wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens photographed by P. Laboute on 8 Dec. 2012. USNM material (USNM 378225).

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Eastern Indonesia east to Palau and Solomon Islands, north to Yaeyama Islands, south to northwestern Australia. Found on silty coastal reefs, 1– 15 m. Marine.

Halichoeres margaritaceus (Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1839) —Weedy surge wrasse STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens observed and photographed at St. CTR 0 1, CTR 0 2, CTR 0 3, CTR 0 4, CTR 0 6, CTR 0 7, CTR 0 8, CTR 11, CTR 14, CTR 15, CTR 17, CTR 22, CTR 23, CTR 25, CTR 26. AMS, CAS and USNM material (AMS I.17082-022; CAS 63600, 65825, 65934, 65935; USNM 376143, 377383).

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Indonesia east to Tuamotu Islands and Pitcairn Group, north to southern Japan, south to northern Australia and Kermadec Islands. Found in groups, on reef flats, small tops of patch reefs, and shoreline reefs exposed to surge, 0– 5 m. Marine.

Halichoeres marginatus (Rüppell, 1835) —Western Pacific dusky wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens observed, photographed and collected at St. CTR 0 1, CTR 0 2, CTR 0 3, CTR 0 4, CTR 0 5, CTR 0 6, CTR 0 7, CTR 0 9, CTR 11, CTR 14, CTR 15, CTR 16, CTR 17, CTR 22, CTR 23, CTR 25, CTR 29. AMS and MNHN material (AMS I.16671-029; MNHN uncat.). DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Indonesia east to Tuamotu Islands and Pitcairn Group, north to southern Japan, south to northern Australia and New Caledonia. Solitary or in groups, in coral-rich areas of lagoon and seaward coral reefs, 0– 30 m. Marine.

Halichoeres melanurus (Bleeker, 1852) —Tailspot wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. First record from Madang by Kailola (1987b: 370). Specimens observed, photographed and collected at St. CTR 0 1, CTR 0 2, CTR 0 3, CTR 0 4, CTR 0 5, CTR 0 6, CTR 0 7, CTR 0 8, CTR 11, CTR 14, CTR 19, CTR 21, CTR 22, CTR 23, CTR 26, CTR 35; specimens collected by W.-J. Chen in Madang Bay. AMS, CAS, MNHN, NTUM, USNM and WAM material.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Central Indonesia east to Caroline Islands and Samoa, north to southern Japan and Ogasawara Islands, south to northern Australia and Norfolk Island. Solitary or in small groups, in sheltered reefs, 0– 15 m. Marine.

Halichoeres melasmapomus Randall, 1981 —Blackear wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on WAM material (WAM P.30352-004) DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Cocos-Keeling and Christmas islands (eastern Indian Ocean) east to Pitcairn Group, north to Philippines, south to northern Australia. Found on steep seaward reef slopes, 10– 56 m. Marine.

Halichoeres miniatus (Valenciennes [ex Kuhl & Hasselt] in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1839) —Cheekring wrasse STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens observed and collected at St. CTR 0 3, CTR 0 6, CTR 23, CTR 29. MNHN material (MNHN uncat.).

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Indonesia east to Philippines and Solomon Islands, north to southern Japan, south to northern Australia and New Caledonia. Solitary or in groups, in mixed coral, rubble and seagrass habitats adjacent to coastal coral reefs, 0– 10 m. Marine.

Halichoeres nebulosus (Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1839) —Nebulous wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens observed, photographed and collected at St. CTR 13, CTR 14, CTR 15, CTR 22, CTR 23, CTR 26. AMS, SMF and WAM material (AMS I.17068-004; SMF 34880, 34883; WAM P.29624-100).

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Red Sea, East and South Africa, Madagascar and Mascarenes east to Papua New Guinea, north to southern Japan, south to Queensland ( Australia), Lord Howe Island and New Caledonia. Found in seagrass areas of reef flats, along reef margins and rocky shores, 0– 40 m. Marine.

Halichoeres nigrescens (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) —Pinstripe wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens photographed at St. CTR 23. USNM material (USNM 357620).

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. East Africa and Persian Gulf east to Philippines, north to Taiwan. Found in aggregations, in shallow seagrass areas and coastal reefs, 3– 10 m. Marine.

Halichoeres pallidus Kuiter & Randall, 1995 —Pale wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens photographed at St. CTR 23. DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Eastern Indonesia east to Palau, Phoenix and Line islands. Found on steep seaward reef slopes, 30– 70 m. Marine.

Halichoeres papilionaceus (Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1840) —Weed wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on a specimen photographed by A. Berberian. Indonesia east to Palau and Solomon Islands. Found in seagrass beds or among algae, 1– 4 m. Marine.

Halichoeres prosopeion (Bleeker, 1853) —Twotone wrasse ( Fig. 20 )

STATUS AT MADANG. First record from Madang by Kailola (1987b: 370). Specimens observed and photographed at St. CTR 0 3, CTR 0 6, CTR 0 7, CTR 11, CTR 16, CTR 19, CTR 20, CTR 22, CTR 23, CTR 26, CTR 27, CTR 28. ROM and USNM material.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Central Indonesia east to Philippines and Samoa, north to southern Japan, south to northern Australia and New Caledonia. Solitary or in groups, in coral-rich areas of patch reefs, lagoon and seaward coral reefs, 2– 40 m. Marine.

Halichoeres richmondi Fowler & Bean, 1928 —Richmond's wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens photographed by A. Berberian. DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Indonesia east to Marshall and Solomon Islands, north to Ryukyu Islands. Found in sheltered reefs, 1– 15 m. Marine.

Halichoeres scapularis (Bennett, 1832) —Zigzag wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens observed and photographed at St. CTR 0 1, CTR 0 2, CTR 0 6, CTR 11, CTR 14, CTR 16, CTR 23, CTR 35. AMS, CAS, ROM, USNM and WAM material (AMS I.17082-021; CAS 65856; ROM 67289; USNM 371382; WAM P.29624-029).

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Red Sea and East Africa, Madagascar and Mascarenes east to New Guinea, north to southern Japan, south to northern Australia and New Caledonia. Found in shallow lagoons or bays, usually over sand, rubble, or seagrass bottom, rather than on coral reef, 1– 20 m. Marine.

Halichoeres solorensis (Bleeker, 1853) —Solor wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens observed at St. CTR 0 1, CTR 0 5, CTR 0 6.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Eastern Indonesia east to Philippines and New Guinea. Found in coral-rich areas of coastal, lagoon and seaward reefs, 10– 40 m. Marine.

Halichoeres trimaculatus (Quoy & Gaimard, 1834) —Threespot wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens observed and photographed at St. CTR 0 8, CTR 11.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Cocos-Keeling and Christmas islands (eastern Indian Ocean) and Indonesia east to Line and Tuamotu islands, north to southern Japan, south to northern Australia and New Caledonia. Solitary or in groups, on sand-rubble patches near isolated coral heads, 1– 30 m. Marine.

Hemigymnus fasciatus (Bloch, 1792) —Barred thicklip wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens photographed at St. CTR 28. DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Red Sea, East and South Africa, Madagascar and Mascarenes east to Wake Atoll and Pitcairn Group, north to southern Japan, south to northern Australia, Lord Howe Island and Rapa. Found on coral reefs and reef flats, 0– 20 m. Marine.

Hemigymnus melapterus (Bloch, 1791) —Blackeye thicklip wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens observed and photographed at St. CTR 0 1, CTR 0 6, CTR 0 7, CTR 0 8, CTR 10, CTR 11, CTR 12, CTR 14, CTR 15, CTR 22, CTR 23, CTR 28. DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. East Africa, Madagascar and western Mascarenes east to Marshall and Society islands, north to southern Japan, south to northern Australia, Lord Howe Island and Tonga. Found on subtidal reef flats, lagoon and seaward reefs, among branching corals while adults found in areas of mixed sand, rubble, and coral, 0– 30 m. Marine.

Hologymnosus annulatus (Lacepède, 1801) —Ring wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens photographed at St. CTR 0 6, CTR 32. DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Red Sea and East Africa, Madagascar and Mascarenes east to Pitcairn, north to southern Japan, south to Western Australia, Victoria ( Australia), New Caledonia and Rapa. Found on coral reefs and rocky substrates, 2– 30 m. Marine.

Hologymnosus doliatus (Lacepède [ex Commerson ], 1801) —Pastel ring wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens photographed by A. Berberian. DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Red Sea and East Africa, Madagascar and western Mascarenes east to Pitcairn, north to southern Japan, south to Victoria ( Australia), Lord Howe Island, and Rapa. Found on coral reefs and rocky substrates, 2– 30 m. Marine.

Iniistius pavo (Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1840) —Peacock razorfish

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens photographed by A. Berberian. DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Red Sea and East Africa east to Panama, north to Ryukyu and Ogasawara islands, south to northern Australia and Lord Howe Island. Found on sand bottoms near coral reefs, 1– 100 m. Marine.

Labrichthys unilineatus (Guichenot, 1847) —Tubelip wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. First record from Madang by Kailola (1987b: 371). Specimens observed and photographed at St. CTR 0 6, CTR 0 8, CTR 11, CTR 12, CTR 14, CTR 15, CTR 16, CTR 25, CTR 35. AMS, CAS and USNM material.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. East Africa, Aldabra and western Mascarenes east to Society Islands, south to Western Australia, Lord Howe Island and Tonga. Found in lagoon and semi-protected seaward coral reefs with high coral cover, near branching corals, particularly staghorn Acropora ; feeds on coral polyps, 0– 20 m. Marine.

Labroides bicolor Fowler & Bean, 1928 —Bicolour cleaner wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens photographed at St. CTR 16. DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. KwaZulu-Natal ( South Africa) and East Africa, Madagascar and Mascarenes east to Wake Atoll and Pitcairn Group, north to southern Japan and Ogasawara Islands, south to Western Australia, Lord Howe and Austral islands. Found in lagoon and seaward coral or rocky reefs, territorial around prominent coral or rock formations called ‘cleaning stations’, 0– 40 m. Marine.

Labroides dimidiatus (Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1839) —Bluestreak cleaner wrasse STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens observed, photographed and collected at St. CTR 0 1, CTR 0 2, CTR 0 3, CTR 0 4, CTR 0 5, CTR 0 6, CTR 0 7, CTR 0 8, CTR 0 9, CTR 10, CTR 11, CTR 12, CTR 13, CTR 13B, CTR 14, CTR 15, CTR 16, CTR 17, CTR 18, CTR 19, CTR 20, CTR 21, CTR 22, CTR 23, CTR 24, CTR 25, CTR 26, CTR 27, CTR 28, CTR 30, CTR 31, CTR 32, CTR 33, CTR 34, CTR 35, PR 105; specimens collected by W.-J. Chen in Madang Bay. AMS, CAS, NTUM, ROM, SMF, USNM and WAM material (AMS I.17080-017, I.17082-023; CAS 65864, 65865, 65866, 65867, 67567; NTUM 10258; ROM 67135; SMF 34865, 34884; USNM 370123, 370133, 370134; WAM P.29624-017).

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Red Sea, East and South Africa, Madagascar and Mascarenes east to Wake Atoll and Pitcairn Group, north to southern Japan, south to Western Australia, Lord Howe and Norfolk islands and Rapa. Found in coral-rich areas of inner lagoons and subtidal reef flats to seaward coral or rocky reefs, 1– 40 m. Marine.

Labroides pectoralis Randall & Springer, 1975 —Breastspot cleaner wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. First record from Madang by Kailola (1987b: 371). Specimens observed and photographed at St. CTR 10, CTR 13.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Cocos-Keeling Islands (eastern Indian Ocean) and Indonesia east to Caroline Islands and Vanuatu, north to Philippines and Ogasawara Islands, south to northern Australia and New Caledonia. Found solitary or in small groups, in coral-rich areas of coastal, lagoon and seaward coral reefs, 2– 30 m. Marine.

Labropsis alleni Randall, 1981 —Allen's tubelip wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. Reported from Madang in original description by Randall (1981: 131). Specimens photographed at St. CTR 14, and by P. Laboute on 1 Dec. 2012. AMS, BMNH, BPBM, USNM and WAM material. DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Eastern Indonesia east to Marshall Islands and Fiji, north to Philippines, south to New Caledonia and Vanuatu. Solitary or in pairs, on steep slopes of lagoon and seaward coral reefs, especially on the seaward slopes of the barrier reef, 4– 52 m. Marine.

Labropsis xanthonota Randall, 1981 —Yellowback tubelip wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. Reported from Madang in original description by Randall (1981: 138-139). BPBM and USNM material.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. East Africa, Seychelles and western Mascarenes east to Caroline Islands, Samoa and Tonga, south to Western Australia, New Caledonia and Loyalty Islands. Found in coral-rich areas of clear outer lagoon and seaward reefs, feeds on coral polyps, 7– 55 m. Marine.

Leptojulis cyanopleura (Bleeker, 1853) —Shoulderspot wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. First record from Madang by Randall (1996: 8). BPBM material. DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Persian Gulf east Solomon Islands, north to Philippines, south to northern Australia. Found in groups, on sand-rubble bottoms near coral reefs, 6– 75 m. Marine.

Leptojulis polylepis Randall, 1996 —Smallscale wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. Reported from Madang in original description by Randall (1996: 15). BPBM material. DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Southern Indonesia east to New Guinea and Solomon Islands. Solitary or in groups, on sloping sand or silt bottoms, 20– 46 m. Marine.

Macropharyngodon meleagris (Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1839) —Vermiculated wrasse STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens photographed at St. CTR 14, CTR 16. CAS and USNM material (CAS 65858; USNM 368256, 368258).

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Cocos-Keeling and Christmas islands (eastern Indian Ocean) and Indonesia east to Line and Tuamotu islands, north to southern Japan and Ogasawara Islands, south to northern Australia and Lord Howe Island. Solitary or in small groups, on coral rubble bottom near coral reefs, 0– 30 m. Marine.

Macropharyngodon negrosensis Herre, 1932 —Black leopard wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. First record from Madang by Kailola (1987b: 372). Specimens photographed at St. CTR 0 4.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Andaman Sea and Indonesia east to Marshall Islands and Samoa, north to Ryukyu and Ogasawara islands, south to northern Australia and Lord Howe Island. Found in mixed sand, rubble and coral habitats near coral reefs, 2– 32 m. Marine.

Novaculichthys taeniourus (Lacepède [ex Commerson ], 1801) —Rockmover wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens observed and photographed at St. CTR 0 4, CTR 16, CTR 20.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Red Sea, East Africa and KwaZulu-Natal ( South Africa), Madagascar and Mascarenes east to Panama, north to southern Japan and Hawaiian Islands, south to Lord Howe, Norfolk and Tuamotu islands. Found in semi-exposed reef flats and lagoon and seaward coral reefs; common in areas of mixed sand, and rubble that are subject to mild surge; juveniles shallow on rubble amongst large bommies or protected open patches on reef crests and swim as if were a leaf floating along the bottom; large adults move along over large reef section, solitary or in pairs and typically turn or shift large pieces of rubble or debris, 1– 25 m. Marine.

Oxycheilinus bimaculatus (Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1840) —Doublespot wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on a specimen collected in Madang Bay by W.-J. Chen. NTUM and WAM material (NTUM 10254; WAM P.30337-007).

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Red Sea and East Africa east to Hawaiian and Marquesas islands, north to southern Japan, south to northern Australia. Solitary, in rubble and seagrass areas near rocks, 2– 100 m. Marine.

Oxycheilinus celebicus (Bleeker, 1853) —Celebes wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens observed and photographed at St. CTR 0 7, CTR 0 8, CTR 11, CTR 12, CTR 13, CTR 15, CTR 16; also photographed by A. Berberian. USNM and WAM material (USNM 355714, 355716, 355718; WAM P.29624-094).

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Eastern Andaman Sea and Indonesia east to Marshall Islands and New Guinea, north to southern Japan, south to northwestern Australia and New Caledonia. Solitary, in coastal or lagoon reefs, 3– 40 m. Marine.

Oxycheilinus digramma (Lacepède, 1801) —Cheek-lined wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens photographed by A. Berberian. AMS, CAS and WAM material (AMS I.17088-069; CAS 65889, 65890, 65892; WAM P.29624-022).

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Red Sea, East Africa and KwaZulu-Natal ( South Africa) east to Wake and Gambier islands, north to Ryukyu Islands, south to northern Australia and Lord Howe Island and Tonga. Solitary, in lagoon and sheltered seaward coral reefs in coral-rich areas, 2– 50 m. Marine.

Oxycheilinus orientalis (Günther [ex Bleeker], 1862) —Oriental wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens photographed by A. Berberian.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Red Sea and East Africa east to Caroline and Solomon islands, north to Philippines, south to New Caledonia. Found in sand-rubble areas near coral reefs, 10– 80 m. Marine.

Paracheilinus filamentosus Allen, 1974 —Filamented flasherwrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. First record from Madang in original description by Allen (1974: 452, fig. 2). Specimens observed and photographed at St. CTR 0 3, CTR 0 5, CTR 0 9, and collected by W.-J. Chen in Madang Bay. AMS, BPBM, NTUM and WAM material.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Indonesia east to Palau and Solomon Islands, north to Sabah ( Malaysia) and Philippines, south to northern Queensland ( Australia), 5– 35 m. Seaward coral reef habitats and edges of deeper channels. Marine.

Pseudocheilinops ataenia (Schultz in Schultz, Chapman, Lachner & Woods, 1960) —Midget wrasse STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on AMS, USNM and WAM material (AMS I.17089- 035; USNM 236256; WAM P.30337-004).

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Eastern Indonesia east to Palau and Solomon Islands, north to Philippines. Cryptic, on coral rubble and coral patches of sheltered coral reefs, 5– 15 m. Marine.

Pseudocheilinus evanidus Jordan & Evermann, 1903 —Disappearing wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. First record from Madang by Randall (1999b: 16); specimens collected at St. PS 0 6, and by W.-J. Chen in Madang Bay. BPBM, NTUM, ROM, SMF, USNM and WAM material.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Red Sea and East Africa east to Hawaiian, Society and Tuamotu islands, north to southern Japan and Ogasawara Islands, south to northern Australia and New Caledonia. Solitary, secretive, in seaward coral reefs, 2– 61 m. Marine.

Pseudocheilinus hexataenia (Bleeker, 1857) —Sixstripe wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. First record from Madang by Kailola (1975: 190); record confirmed by Randall (1999b: 20). Specimens observed at St. CTR 0 1, CTR 0 7, CTR 11, CTR 12, CTR 14, CTR 15, CTR 18, CTR 27; a specimen collected by W.-J. Chen in Madang Bay. AMS, CAS, KFRS, NTUM, ROM, USNM and WAM material. DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Red Sea and East Africa east to Johnston, Line and Tuamotu islands, north to Ryukyu and Ogasawara islands, south to northern Australia and Lord Howe Island. Secretive, among branching corals, 1– 35 m. Marine.

Pseudocheilinus octotaenia Jenkins, 1901 —Eightstripe wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on ROM material (ROM 67130, 67159). DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Madagascar and Seychelles east to Hawaiian, Line and Pitcairn islands, north to Ryukyu and Ogasawara islands, south to northern Australia. Cryptic, on coral rubble and coral patches of coastal and seaward reefs, 5– 50 m. Marine.

Pseudocoris aurantiofasciata Fourmanoir, 1971 —Rust-banded wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens observed at St. CTR 0 1. DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Cocos-Keeling and Christmas islands (eastern Indian Ocean) and Indonesia east to Tuamotu Islands, north to southern Japan, south to New Guinea. Found in groups, on seaward reef slopes, 25– 50 m. Marine.

Pseudocoris heteroptera (Bleeker, 1857) —Torpedo wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. First record from Madang by Kailola (1987b: 372).

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Chagos Archipelago and Christmas Island (eastern Indian Ocean) east to Palau and Solomon Islands, north to southern Japan, south to New Caledonia. Found in groups on sand, coral rubble and coral areas with periodic strong currents, 15– 24 m. Marine.

Pseudocoris yamashiroi (Schmidt, 1931) —Yamashiro's wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens photographed at St. CTR 21.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. East Africa and western Mascarenes east to Marshall Islands and Samoa, north to southern Japan, south to Kermadec Islands. Found in lagoons and coral reefs, often on open sand flats with large remote bommies, 5– 25 m. Marine.

Pseudodax moluccanus (Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1840) —Chiseltooth wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens observed at St. CTR 0 1, CTR 0 3. DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Red Sea, East Africa and KwaZulu-Natal ( South Africa), Madagascar and western Mascarenes east to Marquesas and Tuamotu islands, north to southern Japan and Ogasawara Islands, south to New Caledonia and Tonga. Found in clear channels and seaward coral reefs; juveniles common along drop-offs; adults usually near caves while juveniles frequently live inside them, 3– 60 m. Marine.

Pteragogus sp. ( cf. cryptus ) —Western Pacific cryptic wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. A specimen collected by W.-J. Chen in Madang Bay, another photographed by A. Berberian. CAS, NTUM and WAM material.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Eastern Indonesia east to Caroline Islands and Samoa, north to Taiwan, south to northern Australia and New Caledonia. Solitary, secretive, among branching corals, soft corals and seagrass, 2– 69 m. Marine.

Stethojulis bandanensis (Bleeker, 1851) —Red-shoulder wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. First record from Madang by Randall (2000: 15). Specimens observed and photographed at St. CTR 0 7, CTR 12, CTR 14, CTR 15, CTR 22. AMS, BPBM, CAS, USNM and WAM material. DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Cocos-Keeling and Christmas islands (eastern Indian Ocean) and Indonesia east to Line and Tuamotu islands, north to southern Japan, south to northern Australia and Kermadec Islands. Found in harem groups, in coastal and seaward coral reefs, 0– 30 m. Marine.

Stethojulis interrupta (Bleeker, 1851) —Cut-ribbon wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens photographed at St. CTR 23. AMS material (AMS I.16671-001).

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Red Sea and East Africa east to Solomon Islands, north to Philippines, south to northern Australia. Found in harem groups on reef flats and in shallow coastal reefs, 1– 18 m. Marine.

Stethojulis strigiventer (Bennett, 1833) —Three-ribbon wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens observed and photographed at St. CTR 0 7, CTR 10.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. East Africa, Madagascar and Mascarenes east to Marshall, Tuamotu and Gambier islands, north to southern Japan, south to Lord Howe Island, Tonga and Austral Islands. Found in seagrass beds and areas of mixed sand, rubble, and algae of inner coral reef flats and shallow lagoons, 1– 15 m. Marine.

Stethojulis trilineata (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) —Three-lined wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. First record from Madang by Randall (2000: 38); photographed by A. Berberian. USNM material.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Maldives east to Philippines and Samoa, north to southern Japan, south to Queensland ( Australia) and New Caledonia. Found in harem groups, in shallow reefs, 1– 20 m. Marine.

Thalassoma amblycephalum (Bleeker, 1856) —Bluntheaded wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens observed and photographed at St. CTR 0 1, CTR 0 3, CTR 0 4, CTR 0 5, CTR 0 7, CTR 0 8, CTR 0 9, CTR 10, CTR 12, CTR 13, CTR 14, CTR 15, CTR 16, CTR 16B, CTR 20, CTR 21, CTR 22, CTR 23, CTR 25, CTR 27, CTR 28, CTR 30, CTR 31, CTR 32, PR 90. AMS, CAS, ROM, USNM and WAM material (AMS I.17091-013; CAS 65869, 216683; ROM 67161; USNM 360029; WAM P.30370-011).

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Transkei ( South Africa) and East Africa, Madagascar and Mascarenes east to Line, Marquesas and Tuamotu islands, north to southern Japan and Ogasawara Islands, south to Lord Howe Island, northern New Zealand and Tonga. Found in aggregations over shallow lagoon and seaward coral and rocky reefs and on reef flats, 0– 15 m. Marine.

Thalassoma hardwicke (Bennett, 1830) —Sixbar wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens observed, photographed and collected at St. CTR 0 1, CTR 0 2, CTR 0 3, CTR 0 4, CTR 0 5, CTR 0 6, CTR 0 7, CTR 0 8, CTR 0 9, CTR 10, CTR 11, CTR 12, CTR 14, CTR 15, CTR 16, CTR 21, CTR 22, CTR 23, CTR 25, CTR 26, CTR 27, CTR 28, CTR 29, CTR 31, CTR 32, CTR 35, PR 79. AMS, CAS, MNHN, USNM and WAM material (AMS I.17082-024; CAS 65891, 65893, 65894, 65895, 65896; MNHN uncat.; USNM 359617, 359733; WAM P.29624-004).

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. South and East Africa, Madagascar and Mascarenes east to Wake and Tuamotu islands, north to southern Japan and Ogasawara Islands, south to Lord Howe, Norfolk and Austral islands. Found in small groups on coral reefs, 0– 15 m. Marine.

Thalassoma lunare (Linnaeus, 1758) —Moon wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens observed and photographed at St. CTR 0 1, CTR 0 2, CTR 0 3, CTR 0 4, CTR 0 5, CTR 0 6, CTR 0 7, CTR 0 8, CTR 10, CTR 11, CTR 12, CTR 13, CTR 14, CTR 15, CTR 16, CTR 17, CTR 20, CTR 22, CTR 23, CTR 27, CTR 28, CTR 30, CTR 36; specimens collected by W.-J. Chen at Madang Resort, and photographed by A. Berberian. BPBM and NTUM material (BPBM 15814; NTUM 10096, 10165).

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Red Sea and East Africa east to Caroline and Line islands and Tonga, north to southern Japan, south to northern New Zealand. Found in coastal and seaward coral reefs, 0– 20 m. Marine.

Thalassoma nigrofasciatum Randall, 2003 —Blackbar wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens observed and photographed at St. CTR 0 3, CTR 0 4, CTR 0 7, CTR 0 8, CTR 14, CTR 15, CTR 21, CTR 22, CTR 25, CTR 28. AMS, CAS and USNM material (AMS I.17082-025, I.17091-012; CAS 65868; USNM 288169).

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Queensland ( Australia) and eastern New Guinea east to Fiji and Niue, south to Kermadec Islands. Found in groups in coastal, lagoon and seaward coral reefs, 0– 10 m. Marine.

Thalassoma purpureum (Forsskål in Niebuhr, 1775) —Surge wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens observed at St. CTR 0 3. WAM material (WAM P.29624-101).

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Red Sea and East Africa, Madagascar and Mascarenes east to Hawaiian, Marquesas and Easter islands, north to southern Japan and Ogasawara Islands, south to Lord Howe and Kermadec islands. Found almost exclusively in the surge zone of outer reef flats, coral reef margins, and rocky coastline, 0– 10 m. Marine.

Thalassoma trilobatum (Lacepède [ex Commerson ], 1801) —Ladder wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on specimens photographed at St. CTR 0 1. DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Transkei ( South Africa), East Africa and western Mascarenes east to Wake Atoll and Pitcairn Group, north to Ryukyu and Ogasawara islands, south to Kermadec Islands and Tonga. Found in shallow exposed reef flats, usually with rock-base and mixed coral and algae, also in surge-swept reef flats, coral reef margins, and clear rocky shorelines, 0– 10 m. Marine.

Wetmorella albofasciata Schultz & Marshall, 1954 —White-barred pygmy wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on WAM material (WAM P.31213-012). DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. East Africa east to Hawaiian and Society islands, north to Philippines, south to northern Australia. Secretive in crevices of lagoon and seaward reefs, 8– 42 m. Marine.

Wetmorella nigropinnata (Seale, 1901) —Sharpnose wrasse

STATUS AT MADANG. New record from Madang, based on AMS, CAS, ROM, USNM and WAM material (AMS I.16671-047; CAS 65860, 65861, 65862, 65863; ROM 67125, 67170; USNM 236271; WAM P.30618-006); photographed by A. Berberian.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT. Red Sea and East Africa east to Marshall and Marquesas islands and Pitcairn Group, north to Ryukyu Islands, south to Queensland ( Australia) and New Caledonia. Secretive, in coral reefs, 1– 30 m. Marine.

Figures

FIGURE 18. Cirrhilabrus beauperryi (Labridae), Madang Lagoon, St. CTR 12, B. Bourgeois, 28 Oct. 2012.

FIGURE 19. Cirrhilabrus walindi (Labridae), Madang Lagoon, 45 m depth, P. Laboute, 4 Dec. 2012.

FIGURE 20. Halichoeres prosopeion (Labridae), Madang Lagoon, St. PR 120, P. Laboute, 28 Nov. 2012.