Color Phases and Distribution of the Western Atlantic Labrid Fish, Halichoeres socialis

Halichoeres socialis was recently described as a new species of labrid fish from Caribbean reefs off Belize, Central America. The initial description was based upon a collection of initial phase juveniles, females, and males. Subsequently, the colorful terminal male phase was photographed, collected, and is now described. This species is, so far, known only from the mangrove cays, inside the barrier reef system of Belize.