Cirrhilabrus cyanopleura Palau April 24, 2024

Blueside Wrasse, Cirrhilabrus cyanopleura, in Palau at the Short Drop Off, depth 40'. This species is very similar to C. ryukyuensis in my previous video, but lacks the bright yellow patch on its side. I slowed down some of the scenes to let you see the fish better. In addition to the sound of my bubbles, the "Geiger counter-like" sound you hear is the lens auto-focusing as it desperately tries to keep the fish in focus. Thanks again to Kai for confirming the ID, and to the Coral Reef Research Foundation

[@rogerthat6451]

Gorgeous fish. Thanks for posting, Bruce! They must be closely related to C. ryukyuensis.