The Blackmargin Maori Wrasse can be recognised by its colouration. Adults are reddish with four irregular white bands on the upper sides of the body. The species name nigromarginatus comes from Latin and refers to the black margin of caudal fin of adults.
It is found on coral reefs and inshore rock reefs.
The species occurs in tropical and subtropical waters of the south-west Pacific. In Australia it is known from the northern Great Barrier Reef and Camp Cove, Sydney Harbour.
The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.
- Randall, J.E., Westneat, M.W. & M. F. Gomon. 2003. Two new labrid fishes of the genus Oxycheilinus from the South Pacific. Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences. 54(20): 361-370.