A little help...

[Harley1962]

So, I am pretty sure this a juvenile of some species, but just need more details.

In the water this fish is very "flexible", and swims a bit like a juvie Harlequin Sweetlips but much more affected by surge, current (like a leaf) ...so, therefore the LOUSY photo (sorry) due to it's constant state of motion.

Taken in Lembeh, Indonesia.
Thanks!
HB

 

[Deefstes]

I'm no expert and only started diving very recently but I'm reasonably sure that it's a juvenile Rockmover Wrasse (Novaculichthys taeniourus). Any other thoughts?

 

[perdidochas]

I'm no expert and only started diving very recently but I'm reasonably sure that it's a juvenile Rockmover Wrasse (Novaculichthys taeniourus). Any other thoughts?

My first thought was juvenile lionfish. When I googled it, I noticed that it was definitely not a juvenile lionfish, but I saw a previous thread from this board that noted that Rockmover Wrasses resemble juvenile lionfish.

Here's a link to some video of juvenile rockmover wrasses. I think you're right.

http://www.oceanfootage.com/stockfootage/Juvenile_Rockmover_Wrasse/owner%3Dporterwatson

 

[Deefstes]

Sweet!

 

[ryan115]

That is a Juvenile Novaculichthys taeniourus, known as either a Rockmover Wrasse or a Dragon Wrasse.
Novaculichthys taeniourus, Rockmover wrasse: fisheries, aquarium

 

[Harley1962]

Thanks everybody! I KNEW it was a juvenile "something" but oddly we do not find the adult here very much....One thing that confuses me is that in the link is a bit CONTRADICTORY as to their feeding behavior :

They are sometimes called rock-mover wrasse, but they don't move real rocks (Ref. 48636). Highly territorial (Ref. 9823). Feed on mollusks, sea urchins, brittle stars, polychaetes, and crabs (Ref. 5213); feeding is done by overturning large rocks to expose target preys. The young imitate drifting masses of algae

So, I am still unclear about that--but the ID does help.
WONDERFUL, I will consult you guys more often!

HB

 

[redrover]

Thanks everybody! I KNEW it was a juvenile "something" but oddly we do not find the adult here very much....One thing that confuses me is that in the link is a bit CONTRADICTORY as to their feeding behavior :

They are sometimes called rock-mover wrasse, but they don't move real rocks (Ref. 48636). Highly territorial (Ref. 9823). Feed on mollusks, sea urchins, brittle stars, polychaetes, and crabs (Ref. 5213); feeding is done by overturning large rocks to expose target preys. The young imitate drifting masses of algae

So, I am still unclear about that--but the ID does help.
WONDERFUL, I will consult you guys more often!

HB

I had Rockmovers in my reef tank, they lived up to their reputation. I could see them moving the furniture and hear it at night. In the ocean I don’t see it in the juvenile but the adults, who barely resemble the Juv, seeing them really digging for some goodie or another critter is impressive power. Razorfishes
Juvenile Rockmover Wrasse Stock Footage - SD to HD High Definition Juvenile Rockmover Wrasse Video Clips at Ocean Footage