What distinctive pattern marks the terminal phase male Bluehead Wrasse (*Thalassoma bifasciatum*)?
Answer
A bright blue or green head separated by a dark lateral stripe
The Bluehead Wrasse, *Thalassoma bifasciatum*, serves as a prime illustration of the physical transformation during sex change in wrasses. When a fish transitions into the terminal phase, becoming a dominant, sexually active male, its appearance changes dramatically from the plainer initial phase. The text describes the terminal male as frequently displaying a starkly contrasting pattern: a head featuring bright blue or green coloration that is sharply demarcated from the rest of the body by a distinct dark lateral stripe. This striking coloration aids in species recognition and signaling the male's social status.
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