Macropharyngodon pakoko, a new species of wrasse (Teleostei: Labridae) endemic to the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia

A new species of wrasse, Macropharyngodon pakoko, has been discovered in the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia, increasing the known diversity of the genus Macropharyngodon to 12 species. This endemic species, found at depths ranging from 0 to 42 meters, exhibits distinct genetic and coloration differences from its closely related counterpart, M. meleagris. Key distinguishing features include irregular black humeral blotches with incomplete blue borders in males, inverted 'U'-shaped bands on the cheek, and unique patterns such as small black spots at the base of the pectoral fin and reddish-yellow cross-bands on pelvic fins in females. Juveniles display irregular black blotches and lack large black spots or ocelli on the anal fin. The discovery underscores the Marquesas Islands' rich biodiversity and provides valuable insights into the evolutionary distinctiveness of its marine fauna.

DELRIEU-TROTTIN, E., WILLIAMS, J. T., & PLANES, S. (2014). Macropharyngodon pakoko, a new species of wrasse (Teleostei: Labridae) endemic to the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia. Zootaxa, 3857(3). https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3857.3.6