Actually, clown wrasse are native to the Caribbean and Western Atlantic (so the East Coast of the US). My first thought was a cleaner goby (Elacatinus sp.), but it's not a match.
This doesn’t look to be a Halichoeres species but instead a Thalassoma species. Specifically Thalassoma bifasciatum. Be careful as he matures - they get large and can become rather aggressive especially towards smaller fish and inverts.A few weeks ago, over the week of Thanksgiving, while snorkeling in the Keys I caught this little guy. Using the Marine Fishes of Florida (Snyder and Burgess) book my wife got as a gift a few years ago we think we -mostly she- have narrowed it down to a juvenile Clown Wrasse (Halichoeres maculipinna).
Can anyone help us confirm?
We were looking at juveniles of the Blue head Wrasse but couldn't see the prominent spot on the dorsal fin that this one has.
Maybe there are different types of Clown Wrasses (not proclaiming to be an expert) but Halichoeres maculipinna is native to Florida.
I will try to get a better photo as this little guy doesn't stop moving, maybe I can pull a decent still from the video.Actually, clown wrasse are native to the Caribbean and Western Atlantic (so the East Coast of the US). My first thought was a cleaner goby (Elacatinus sp.), but it's not a match.
A map of the distribution of clown wrasse:
OP, I can't tell for sure from the pic (I'm on mobile so I can't see the video), but I think you may be right on the ID. If you can get some closer pics (or if someone can see the video), we might be able to confirm it.
Not the best photo but here’s one;
That would explain the lack of apparent markings near the eye - good catch!
