ANIMAL SPECIES:Redbreasted Maori Wrasse, Cheilinus fasciatus (Bloch, 1791)
The Redbreasted Maori Wrasse can be recognised by its distinctive colouration. The body has six to seven white vertical bars on a red-brown background. The area around the pectoral fin is yellow to orange. The bodies of large males are almost black, with white vertical bars and red colouration on the front of the body and operculum. It has dorsal and anal fins that are pointed posteriorly.
Identification
The Redbreasted Maori Wrasse can be recognised by its distinctive colouration. The body has six to seven white vertical bars on a red-brown background. The area around the pectoral fin is yellow to orange. The bodies of large males are almost black, with white vertical bars and red colouration on the front of the body and operculum.
It has dorsal and anal fins that are pointed posteriorly.
Size range
The species grows to 36 cm in length.Distribution
The Redbreasted Maori Wrasse occurs throughout the tropical Indo-west Pacific.
In Australia it is recorded off north-western Western Australia and on the Great Barrier Reef and offshore islands of Queensland.
Classification
- Species:
- fasciatus
- Genus:
- Cheilinus
- Family:
- Labridae
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Allen, G.R. & R. Swainston. 1988. The Marine Fishes of North-Western Australia. A Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 201.
- 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.
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A Redbreasted Maori Wrasse at Osprey Reef View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
A Redbreasted Maori Wrasse at 'Temple of Doom' View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
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