Halichoeres margaritaceus (Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes 1839) —Weedy surge wrasse

Status at New Ireland. New record, based on a video of a specimen taken in Albatross Passage, southwestern Kavieng District, at 3–13 m depth, St. KR 53, in 2014 (identified by Barry C. Russell); a specimen observed at Nemto Island, New Hanover, 4–15 m depth, St. T 23, on 7 Nov. 2006, by Gerald R. Allen.

Distribution and habitat. New Ireland: 1, 2.—General distribution: Cocos-Keeling Islands and northwestern Australia east to Wake Atoll and Pitcairn Group, north to southern Japan, south to New South Wales (Australia), Lord Howe, Norfolk and Kermadec islands, Tonga and Gambier Islands. Found in shallow exposed reefs and reef flats, 0–3 m depth. Marine.