Halichoeres melanurus (Bleeker 1852) —Tailspot wrasse (Fig. 109)

Status at New Ireland. New record based on specimens photographed on 4 June 2013 during ACIAR Aquarium Survey in Kavieng District (see Teitelbaum et al. 2013: 15); another photographed at St. KVG29 (southeast of New Hanover) by Serge Andréfouët on 24 Aug. 2014 .

Distribution and habitat. New Ireland: 1, 2.—General distribution: Central Indonesia east to Caroline Islands and Samoa, north to southern Japan and Ogasawara Islands, south to northern Australia and Norfolk Island. Solitary or in small groups, in sheltered reefs, 0–15 m depth. Marine.