These are rather variable wrasses common in Halimeda algae patches on the lagoon slope. The first few photos show males.
With crustacean prey in its mouth.
Two males fighting.
It is possible the females and juveniles below may not all be this species. The young individuals of several Oxycheilinus species are similar.
The next image is from Jay Lord.
With goatfish Parupeneus barberinoides.
Created 26 May 2014
Updated 5 March 2023