The present study documents for the first time, the presence of Halichoeres zeylonicus (Bennett, 1833) (Family: Labridae) in the Vellar Estuary on the southeast coast of India. The fish was obtained through the process of collecting, fixing, preservation, and identification following conventional taxonomic methodologies. The species' identification involved an intensive analysis of the morphometric and meristic characteristics such as dorsal fin rays (IX,14), anal fin rays (III,11), 25 pored lateral line scales and colouration of the body, which is unique to H. zeylonicus. The specimen has been preserved in the fish collection of the Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology at Annamalai University. The present documentation sheds light on the ecological flexibility of H. zeylonicus as a species capable of surviving in both coral reefs and estuaries.
The present study documents for the first time, the presence of Halichoeres zeylonicus (Bennett, 1833) (Family: Labridae) in the Vellar Estuary on the southeast coast of India.
