Blackeye Thicklip

Scientific Name: Hemigymnus melapterus
Family: Wrasses - Labridae
Maximum Size: 60cm
Identification: TP - Gray head and forebody, black rear body with pale streak or spot on most scales; often large dusky spot behind eye; large lips.
Favourite: Solitary.
Hide-out: Mixed sand, rubble and coral areas to 30m.
Location: Indo-Pacific - Red Sea and E. Africa to Micronesia and French Polynesia. S.W. Japan to S.E. Australia and Lord Howe I.

Barred Thicklip

Scientific Name: Hemigymnus fasciatus
Family: Wrasses - Labridae
Maximum Size: 50cm
Identification: TP/IP - Black body with 5 narrow white bars; green head with pink bands; thick lips.
Favourite: Solitary or form small groups.
Hide-out: Mixed sand, rubble and coral areas of lagoons, passes and outer slopes to 25m, more common on sheltered reefs.
Location: Indo-Pacific - Red Sea and E. Africa to Micronesia, Line Is. and Ducie I. east of French Polynesia. S. Japan to S.E. Australia.