Slender Rainbow Wrasse, Suezichthys gracilis (Steindachner & Döderlein, 1887)

Introduction

Slender Rainbow Wrasse are pinkish above and white bellow. The species occurs on coral reef and inshore rocky reefs.

Identification

Initial phase Slender Rainbow Wrasse are pinkish above and white bellow. There is a brown stripe that runs from the snout to a small dark spot on the caudal peduncle. A short diagonal blue-black stripe is positioned above the pectoral fin. Terminal phaseindividuals look similar but have a blue band in the dorsal and anal fins and a blue-margined, orange ‘V-shape’ band in the caudal fin.

Habitat

The species occurs on coral reef and inshore rocky reefs.

Distribution

It has an antitropical distribution, occurring in Japan, Korea and China in the north and Australia and New Caledonia in the south. In Australia it is known from northern Queensland to the central New South Wales coast.

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

1. 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.
2. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
3. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.