Iniistius baldwini Jordan & Evermann, 1903
This razor wrasse has a conspicuous black spot high on the side with a pearly white patch below. The white patch is faintly bordered by yellow in front. Males have a black spot in the anal fin. Rarely seen, it is a wary fish that prefers depths of 70 ft. or more and, like all other razor wrasses, lives over sand. To about 9 in. Hawai`i, Japan and Taiwan. Many razor wrasse species, including this, were until recently placed in the genus Xyrichtys. They were reassigned to the genus Iniistius in 2002. Photos: females, Kahe Point, O`ahu. 70 ft.
