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Chameleon Wrasse
Vieja Camaléon
(Halichoeres dispiles)
Chameleon Wrasse, Halichoeres dispiles: The Chameleon Wrasse is characterized by a bright blue spot with a large black center just below the third and fourth dorsal spines. It also has a black spot at the center of the caudal fin base.
Coloration of the Chameleon Wrasse normally varies from red to green, which is interchangeable, creating the effect of a cross-hatching pattern.
This species is one of the more difficult wrasses to identify because the juveniles undergo a major color transition as they mature. It is fairly similar to the Golden Wrasse, Halichoeres melanotis, which lacks both of the spots mentioned above.
The Chameleon Wrasse is solitary and feeds on brittle stars, crabs, mollusks, and sea urchins. It has been reported to reach a length of 8 inches. It is normally found over sandy or rubble bottoms adjacent to reefs within the first 250 feet of the water column.
Distribution in Mexico fishing areas
In Mexico, the Chameleon Wrasse is not found on the Pacific side of the Baja California peninsula or around the Mexican oceanic islands. It is present in all waters of the Sea of Cortez and along the coast of mainland Mexico south to Guatemala. It is too rare to be of great interest to anyone except fish species observers.
This is a member of the Labridae or Wrasse Family.
Chameleon Wrasse, Halichoeres dispiles: Three phases, each caught during a fishing trip with Capt. Pata in the panga Salomé, in 75-degree, 100-foot water, utilizing a Sabiki Rig, on the Inner Gordo Bank, 10 miles north of La Playita, San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Sizes approximately 5 to 7 inches. Fish identification courtesy of Dr. Ross Robertson, The Smithsonian Institute, Panama. Dr. Robertson attributes the strikingly beautiful coloration to the depth of the collection. The first fish is a mature female, the second fish a maturing juvenile, and the third fish is a terminal phase male. Description and photos courtesy of John Snow.
Chameleon Wrasse, Halichoeres dispiles: Terminal male phase. Caught fishing on a Sabiki Rig, 25 miles north of La Playita, San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico, in July 2007, in 300-foot deep water. Size 6 inches. Description and photo courtesy of John Snow.
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