- EnglishName: Axil spotho gfish
- Local Name : Lah kothari hikaa
- Size : Max. 20 cm
- Family: LABRIDAE
- Order : Perciformes
- Distinctive Characters: Dorsal fin with 12 spines and 9-10 rays. Anal fin with 3 spines and 12-13 rays. Pectoral fin with 15-17 rays. Body depth 2.8-3.1 in standard length. Snout pointed. Caudal fin varying from slightly rounded to slightly double emarginate.
- Colour: Juveniles black with large white spots. Adults brown anteriorly and white posteriorly. Large black spots at the pectoral axil and on dorsal and anal fins.
- Habitat and Biology: Juveniles usually seen in caves. Feeds on benthic invertebrates. Occasionally seen cleaning other fishes.
- Distribution: Indo-Pacific.
- Remarks: Bodianus axillaris undergoes a remarkable colour change as it grows. B. albomaculatus (Smith) is a synonym based on the juvenile stage.