Halichoeres melasmapomus Randall 1981 —Blackear wrasse

Status at New Ireland. New record, based on a specimen observed at Selapiu Island, Kavieng District, 1–48 m depth, St. T 13, on 3 Nov. 2006, by Gerald R. Allen.

Distribution and habitat. New Ireland: 2.—General distribution: Cocos-Keeling and Christmas islands, and Indonesia east to Pitcairn Island, north to Philippines, south to northern Australia. Found on steep seaward reef slopes, 10–56 m depth. Marine.