Brownspotted Wrasse, Notolabrus parilus (Richardson, 1850)

Scientific name: Notolabrus parilus
Alternative name/s:
Brown-spotted Parrotfish, Orange-spotted Wrasse, Orangespotted Wrasse
Brown Spotted Wrasse, Notolabrus parilus Click to enlarge image
A Brown Spotted Wrasse at a depth of 14m, north-western Kangaroo Island, South Australia, December 2003. Image: Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Notolabrus
    Species
    parilus
    Family
    Labridae
    Order
    Perciformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The species grows to 49 cm in length.

Introduction

The Brownspotted Wrasse is endemic to Australia. It can be recognised by its unique markings of stripes and spots.

Identification

The Brownspotted Wrasse can be recognised by its colouration. Females and juveniles are usually brownish or green, with a row of white spots on the sides of the body. There are irregular markings radiating out from the eyes. Males are reddish brown to brown above and white below. They have an irregular white stripe along the side of the body and orange, brown or white spots on the body.

Habitat

It occurs in coastal algae covered rocky reefs to about 20 m in depth.

Distribution

It is endemic to Australia, occuring from southern Victoria to the central coast of Western Australia, but is most common in southern Western Australia.

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. Gomon, M.F. & B.C. Russell. in Gomon, M.F., Glover, C.J.M. & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. State Print, Adelaide. Pp. 992.
  2. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.