ANIMAL SPECIES:Bird Wrasse, Gomphosus varius (Lacepede, 1801)
The common name of the Bird Wrasse refers to the fish's long snout that is thought to resemble a bird's beak. The species occurs in tropical marine waters, inhabiting lagoons and coral-rich reef areas.
Identification
The common name of the Bird Wrasse refers to the fish's long snout that is thought to resemble a bird's beak.
Juvenile Bird Wrasse are green above and white below with two black stripes along the length of the body. Their snout is less elongate than adults.
Initial phase Bird Wrasse, are white with a black spot on each scale that gives the fish a speckled look. The top of the snout is orange, and the caudal fin is black with a white border.
Terminal phase Bird Wrasse have a blue-green body with a red line on each scale. The snout is blue-green and the caudal fin has a bright blue crescent.
Size range
The species grows to 30 cm in length.Distribution
Bird Wrasse occurs in tropical marine waters of the West-Central Pacific, from the Cocos-Keeling Islands, throughout South-east Asia and Micronesia, north to Japan, south to Australia and east to the Tuamoto Islands.
In Australia it is known from the north-western coast of Western Australia, around the tropical north of the country, and south to the southern Great Barrier Reef, Queensland.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Bird Wrasse specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
Bird Wrasse inhabit lagoons and coral-rich reef areas. It is often seen in small groups or singly. It is found in depths from 1 m to 30 m.
Behaviour and adaptations
Feeding and Diet
The snout is used to probe the coral for prey, primarily crustaceans, brittle stars, molluscs and small fishes.
Classification
- Species:
- varius
- Genus:
- Gomphosus
- Family:
- Labridae
- Order:
- Perciformes
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- 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.
Would you like to add a comment?
Sign up to add comments and find out more about the other benefits you can enjoy.
Would you like to add a tag?
Sign up to add tags and find out more about the other benefits you can enjoy.
A terminal phase Bird Wrasse View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
An initial phase Bird Wrasse View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
A Bird Wrasse at the Great Barrier Reef View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
Support us
Help us continue to provide quality research, education, community programs and exhibitions.
Online Shop
Featuring a selection of products relating to the collections.
Australian Museum Members
Join today to come to the Museum for free and enjoy many other benefits.
AMBS
Australian Museum Business Services - Ecological, archaeological and heritage consulting.
Museum as a Venue
We have many unique venues ideal for dinner, cocktails, weddings and conferences.