Thicklip Wrasse, Hemigymnus melapterus (Bloch, 1791)
Blackeye Thicklip, Half & Half Wrasse
Introduction
As its standard name implies, adult fish have thick lips.
Identification
Adults are grey anteriorly, becoming dark posteriorly. Young fish look quite different to the adults.
Distribution
The Thicklip Wrasse occurs in the Indo-west Pacific region. In Australia it is recorded from central and north-western Western Australia and from northern Queensland to Sydney, New South Wales.
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
- Kuiter, R.H. 2010. Labridae Fishes: Wrasses. Aquatic Photographics. Pp. 398.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.