These photos of a Manybar Goatfish were taken about 5 seconds apart. The first one was taken while a Saddleback Wrasse was cleaning the Goatfish. Maybe the maroon coloration helps the Wrasse identify dead skin and parasites that need 'cleaning.' When the Wrasse left the 'scene,' the Goatfish continued the, 'hey I need cleaning posture,' but dramatically changed his coloration to white and gray, possibly advertising for a return visit by the Wrasse. Unfortunately, all he got was me!
I tried this color/posture change with my wife and can report that it does not work!! Now how do I get all this rouge off my body?
Aloha, Larry Winnik