Ring Wrasse

Hologymnosus annulatus, commonly known as the ring wrasse or ringed slender wrasse, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the Labridae family. This species exhibits a broad distribution throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

The species manifests in two distinct color forms, each associated with specific geographical locations: one in the 🌊 Indian Ocean and the 🌊 Red Sea, and the other in the 🌊 Pacific Ocean. Female specimens exhibit a very dark coloration, almost black, whereas male individuals predominantly display a greenish hue combined with a blue facial area. Males from the 🌊 Indian Ocean variant feature a white band across the midsection of their bodies, while those from the 🌊 Pacific Ocean possess a pale area on the caudal peduncle during breeding periods. The male specimens' bodies are distinguished by multiple bluish-red bars and frequently display a pale yellowish bar above the origin of the anal fin. The head is characterized by a pale purplish hue with green to blue-green bands emanating from the eye; notably, the band extending towards the snout broadens and branches. Juvenile H. annulatus bear a strong resemblance to juvenile Malacanthus latovittatus, presenting an olive-brown to brown coloration with 17-19 dark brown bars. Juveniles also exhibit a blue and black spot on the gill cover, a black spot on the side of the lips—where those on the lower lip are more pronounced—and a tail fin marked by a significant whitish crescent near the end.

The distribution range of Hologymnosus annulatus spans from the 🌊 Red Sea, extending southwards along the eastern coast of Africa in the 🌊 Indian Ocean to 🇿🇦 South Africa, and eastwards reaching the Society Islands (🇵🇫 French Polynesia) and Pitcairn Island in the 🌊 Pacific Ocean. The range also stretches north to southern 🇯🇵 Japan and south to the Great Barrier Reef and Rapa Island.

This species is typically found inhabiting coral reefs and rocky substrates at depths reaching at least 30 meters (98 feet) on offshore reef slopes. Juveniles tend to be solitary. As a carnivorous species, its diet primarily consists of small fishes, although crustaceans also form part of its nutritional intake. Juvenile fish are predominantly located near the bottom of the water column, whereas adult specimens exhibit a preference for swimming at higher levels. Hologymnosus annulatus engages in pelagic spawning.