These are common in seaward reef surge channel caves.
In large individuals, the teeth are visible even with the mouth closed.
Young individuals have a yellowish face and a spot on the caudal peduncle that fades with age.
The fish below photographed on the Kwajalein seaward reef by Stan Jazwinski appears to be a young individual. As it grows, the body develops additional longitudinal lines and the black spot on the caudal peduncle fades out.
These are even younger. There is also some resemblance to Ostorhinchus selas, a species that is currently not known from the Marshalls.
Created 12 December 2017
Updated 8 August 2021