Moon Wrasse Thalassoma lunare

The Moon Wrasse, also called Crescent Wrasse, both after the yellow in the tail of the adults, is native to reefs of the Indian and western Pacific Oceans.

They grow to some 45cm (18 in) long. The body is greenish or blue-green and the face has pink streaks. Groups may have females, some males (females who have transitioned) and juveniles together. The alpha male body turns blue in the breeding season and at other times when he chooses. Adults have a yellow central crescent in the tail.

Juveniles have white rather than yellow in the tail but have a large black spot just before the tail and also on the dorsal fin.