This species prefers the deeper seaward slopes at Kwajalein Atoll. About the shallowest they have been seen is around 30m on the southern tip of the atoll, an area that can get strong currents at times. They seem to form small groups of one male and several females. The female form has a mostly bluish body with a black band between the eyes, a black trim to the posterior portion of the dorsal and anal fins, and a black-bordered tail fin. The male has a series of black horizontal narrow bands, a couple of which become yellow-orange at the posterior ends. The first three shots show females.
The next two photos show males.
The photo below by Stan Jazwinski shows an individual in the process of changing from female to male.
Created 16 September 2010
Updated 9 February 2020