Author: Allen & Robertson, 2002
FBname: Red-striped wrasse
Comments: Usually inhabits areas of sand covered with dense scattering of small scale rubble composed of either volcanic rock chips or calcareous algae, at depths to at least 30 m.  Small numbers of individuals found on sand at sand/reef interfaces.  Species of <i>Halichoeres melanotis</i> and <i>H. malpelo</i> occur in the same habitat, on continental mainland and Isla Malpelo, respectively (Ref. 75895).