Hoplolatilus starcki is common at Kwajalein, but is found almost exclusively deeper than about 20m on the steep seaward slope. When approached, they move closer to the bottom and dive quickly into a hole in the reef.
Juveniles are blue or purple.
The photo below by Jay Lord shows a couple of juveniles, the one on the left developing the yellow tail and starting to show the paler body of the adult.
Created 6 August 2017
Updated 21 January 2020