How to Identify Pastel Ringwrasse

To identify Pastel Ringwrasse (Hologymnosus doliatus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Juveniles are typically pale with a dark mid-lateral stripe. Initial phase (IP) individuals are generally pale greenish to yellowish-brown with numerous narrow, dark vertical bars or rings along the body. Terminal phase (TP) males are strikingly different, often exhibiting a vibrant blue-green to olive-green body with a distinct pale to yellowish head, and often a dark bar or blotch behind the pectoral fin. The vertical bars may become less distinct or disappear in large males. A prominent dark spot is often present on the operculum.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Elongated, cylindrical body, Small, protractile mouth, Continuous dorsal fin, Coloration changes dramatically with age and sex (protogynous hermaphrodite), Lack of scales on the head and anterior part of the body

Dorsal fin

Continuous, with 9 spines and 11-12 soft rays. Spines are relatively short.

Tail fin

Truncate to slightly emarginate in juveniles and females, becoming more emarginate or lunate in large males.

Pectoral fin

Relatively short and rounded, with 13 rays.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are small and located thoracically.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for the distinctly elongated, almost eel-like body shape, which is characteristic of the genus Hologymnosus.

2. 2

   Coloration (Juvenile/IP)

   Initial phase individuals are recognized by their pale body with numerous narrow, dark vertical bars or rings. The number and prominence of these bars can vary.

3. 3

   Coloration (TP Male)

   Terminal phase males are unmistakable with their vibrant blue-green to olive body, often a contrasting pale head, and a dark bar or blotch behind the pectoral fin. The vertical bars may be faint or absent.

4. 4

   Head and Scales

   Note the relatively small head and the absence of scales on the head and the anterior part of the body, a key generic characteristic.

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