Earmuff wrasse regional variants

[4FordFamily]

Alright, so I have secured two from Hawaii.

At least one is a transitioning male.

Does anyone know what the regional differences are? I cannot find anything!

I did find this:
https://www.reefs.com/blog/magazine-parent/2015-1/pretty-pink-plush-side-halichoeres/
Indicating that there ARE regional differences but nothing describing them.

Those wrasse experts probably have a source or know more than I. I'm curious what my transitional male will turn in to.

Wondering if I am better off separating my two earmuffs in to separate tanks or if I will create a super male by housing them together?

Thanks again!

 

[saltyphish]

Can't answer your question unfortunately, but wow those are some nice looking fish. Please post pics when you get them.

 

[evolved]

They are not know to be found in HI; if that's truly were they were collected it would be a range extension. Are you sure they just weren't shipping through HI?

As far as I know, the ones from the east end of the distribution (French Polynesia, Pitcairn) are much more pink, and those from the west end of the distribution (Indonesia, Philippines) are much more green.

Pink, east:

Green, west:

 

[4FordFamily]

They are not know to be found in HI; if that's truly were they were collected it would be a range extension. Are you sure they just weren't shipping through HI?

As far as I know, the ones from the east end of the distribution (French Polynesia, Pitcairn) are much more pink, and those from the west end of the distribution (Indonesia, Philippines) are much more green.

Pink, east:

Green, west:

They came from Hawaii they may well come from elsewhere like you said. right now they're whitish with a pinkish hue

 

[4FordFamily]

Can't answer your question unfortunately, but wow those are some nice looking fish. Please post pics when you get them.

Will do. These are transitioning so they're nowhere near as stunning as the males shown on google images yet