Checkerboard wrasse - Halichoeres hortulanus

Dauin, Oct 2012.
Checkerboard pattern on sides, males are greener with a yellow dorsal spot. Small juveniles are black and white (see last two pics), gradually changing with growth to the adult pattern.Diet based mainly on molluscs, crustaceans and sea urchins.
Habitat:
Red Sea to South Africa, north to southern Japan, south to the southern Great Barrier Reef. Clear lagoons and seaward reefs from 1m-30m depth. Juveniles are found at the bottom of surge channels or under ledges. Males are territorial over a large area.