Banded Wrasse, Halichoeres notospilus: A unique 13 cm Banded Wrasse with a large Black Spot on its dorsal fin (as pictured) that has been reviewed by wrasse expert, Dr. Benjamin Victor, Coralreeffish.com, who believes it is notospilus, but indicated that they do hybridize occasionally, and he will get a DNA sequence soon and get back to us. Description and photo courtesy of John Snow.



Banded Wrasse, Halichoeres notospilus: New world record! Caught off the beach on cut squid at Km. 21, Cabo Real, Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, Mexico, on June 6, 2009. Size 27.3 cm (10.75 inches). A difficult identification due to the size and body shape. Normally, the Banded Wrasse is about 6 inches in length with a cigar-shaped body. This guy was “big” with a wide flat body and very similar to a mature Spinster Wrasse, Halichores nicholsi. Previously known within the scientific community to 26 cm (10.25 inches). Identification reconfirmed by H.J. Walker, Jr., Scripps Institute of Oceanography and Dr. Ben Victor, Coralreeffish.com. Description and photo courtesy of John Snow.

Banded Wrasse, Halichoeres notospilus: Female. Caught in the surf in December 2007, early morning at Cabo Real, Km. 21, San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico, on cut squid bait, utilizing a Carolina rig and size 4 Mustad 92553 hook. This species undergoes a sex reversal at midlife with the females becoming males. Description and photo courtesy of John Snow.
Banded Wrasse, Halichoeres notospilus: Male. Caught from shore in the first hour of daylight, in April 2003, in 73-degree water, just outside the breaker line in 20 to 30-foot deep water, utilizing 15-pound test line with a fish finder rig, 1-ounce barrel sinker, swivel, three feet of 6-pound test, and Mustad 92553 hook, size #6, on cut squid at Km. 20 (Cabo Real), between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Size approximately 7 inches and three-quarters of a pound. For their size these things fight like hell! A “catch and release.” Description and photo courtesy John Snow.