LABRIDAE Halichoeres nigrescens, 7.4 cm SL (photo by Ukkrit Satapoomin) Halichoeres nigrescens (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) Bubblefin Wrasse D IX, 12; A III, 11-12; P1 14-15; LLp 27; GR 18-22. Body slightly elongate, compressed. Dorsal-fin origin slightly posterior to upper end of gill opening. Scales on nape extending to or slightly anterior to a vertical at rear edge of eyes; rest of head naked. Lateral line complete. Caudal fin rounded; pelvic fins of males moderately long, nearly or just reaching anus. Color: females with irregular green and pink stripes and 6 groups of 7-10 small black spots in a midlateral row on body which may coalesce into and indistinct dark stripe; a short vertical black line behind eye preceded by a blue line and followed by a dusky pink bar; a small triangular black spot at upper base of pectoral fins. Males light green, white ventrally, with 7 reticulate deep pink blotches, the last 4 interconnected, and a midlateral series of indistinct small white spot; a black and yellow spot in dorsal fin between fifth and sixth spines. Size: maximum length about 14 cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific. Remarks: found in shallow areas of reef flats, rocky shorelines as well as seagrass beds.