ANIMAL SPECIES:Narrow-banded Wrasse, Hologymnosus doliatus (Lacepede, 1801)
The Narrow-banded Wrasse is an elongate fish that can be recognised by its colouration. Small juveniles are white with three orange-red stripes along the body. Initial phase individuals, like that in the upper image, are blue, green or grey with 20-23 orange bars. They have a blue-black spot posteriorly on the operculum. Terminal phase fish are blue-green to light red with lavender bars, and a pale region behind the pectoral fin. The head is blue to green with orange banding.
Alternative Names/s
The Narrow-banded Wrasse has also been called the Red-lined Slender Wrasse and the Pastel Ringwrasse.Identification
The Narrow-banded Wrasse is an elongate fish that can be recognised by its colouration. Small juveniles are white with three orange-red stripes along the body.
Initial phase individuals, like that in the upper image, are blue, green or grey with 20-23 orange bars. They have a blue-black spot posteriorly on the operculum.
Terminal phase fish are blue-green to light red with lavender bars, and a pale region behind the pectoral fin. The head is blue to green with orange banding.
Size range
The Narrow-banded Wrasse grows to 40 cm in length.Distribution
The species occurs throughout much of the tropical Indo-West Pacific.
In Australia it is know from north-western Western Australia and from northern Queensland to southern New South Wales.
Habitat
The Narrow-banded Wrasse lives primarily in areas of coral reef.
Classification
- Species:
- doliatus
- Genus:
- Hologymnosus
- Family:
- Labridae
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
- 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. 437.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.
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 Narrow-banded Wrasse at North West Solitary Island View full size
Ian Shaw
© Ian Shaw
what's on
Egyptian Treasures: art of the pharaohs
13 Sep 09 – 06 Dec 09
Discover the significance of art in ancient Egypt through the eyes of Ramose, a young apprentice learning ancient secrets from a master craftsman. Explore over 250 stunning artefacts from exquisitely decorated coffins, hieroglyphs, mummies, jewellery, bowls and much more. Some objects are on display as a world first!
Level G, Special Exhibition Space
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.