Fiveband Wrasse, Hemigymnus fasciatus (Bloch, 1792)
Banded Thicklip, Barred Thicklip, Barred Wrasse, Five-banded Wrasse
Introduction
The Fiveband Wrasse is a tropical marine fish that can be found in areas of sand, rubble and coral.
Identification
Adult Fiveband Wrasse have a darkish body with four narrow white bars on the sides. The head is yellow-green with irregular pink lines. The caudal fin is either yellow or black.
Juveniles look similar to adults, but have a dark head, and the white bars are narrower. The caudal fin is dark.
Habitat
Fiveband Wrasse inhabit areas of sand, rubble and coral. It is found in depths from 1 m to 40 m. Juveniles are more commonly found among branching corals.
Distribution
The species occurs in tropical marine waters of the Indo-West Pacific, from the Red Sea, throughout South-east Asia and Micronesia, north to Japan, south to Australia and east to the Ducie Islands.
In Australia it is known from the north-western coast of Western Australia, around the tropical north of the country to the southern Great Barrier Reef, Queensland.
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.
Feeding and diet
Adult Fiveband Wrasse feed on benthic invertebrates, crustaceans, polychaetes, brittle stars, sea urchins and molluscs. Juveniles feed mainly on planktonic crustaceans.
References
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 469.
- Myers, R.F. 1999. Micronesian Reef Fishes. Coral Graphics. Pp. 330.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 251.