Cocktail Wrasse, Pteragogus flagellifer (Valenciennes, 1839)
Cryptic Wrasse, P. cryptus, Cockerel Wrasse, P. enneacanthus
Introduction
The Cocktail Wrasse is a small tropical labrid that occurs off north-western Western Australia and along most of the Queensland coast.
Identification
The Cocktail Wrasse is yellowish to brown with an indistinct pattern of spots and blotches. Males have elongated dorsal and anal fin spines. Juveniles have a blue blotch on the leading dorsal fin rays. Three species of Pteragogus occur in Australian waters.
Habitat
It is a benthic species that lives in inshore and coral reef waters.
Distribution
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
- Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
- Kuiter, R.H. 2010. Labridae Fishes: Wrasses. Aquatic Photographics. Pp. 398.