Brownspotted Wrasse, Notolabrus parilus (Richardson, 1850)
Brown-spotted Parrotfish, Orange-spotted Wrasse, Orangespotted Wrasse
Click to enlarge image
© Erik Schlögl
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Notolabrus
- Species
- parilus
- Family
- Labridae
- Order
- Perciformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum
- Vertebrata
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- The species grows to 49 cm in length.
Introduction
The Brownspotted Wrasse is endemic to Australia. It can be recognised by its unique markings of stripes and spots.
Identification
The Brownspotted Wrasse can be recognised by its colouration. Females and juveniles are usually brownish or green, with a row of white spots on the sides of the body. There are irregular markings radiating out from the eyes. Males are reddish brown to brown above and white below. They have an irregular white stripe along the side of the body and orange, brown or white spots on the body.
Habitat
It occurs in coastal algae covered rocky reefs to about 20 m in depth.
Distribution
It is endemic to Australia, occuring from southern Victoria to the central coast of Western Australia, but is most common in southern Western Australia.
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.
References
- Gomon, M.F. & B.C. Russell. in Gomon, M.F., Glover, C.J.M. & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. State Print, Adelaide. Pp. 992.
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
