Gunther's Wrasse, Pseudolabrus guentheri Bleeker, 1862

Scientific name: Pseudolabrus guentheri
Alternative name/s:
Chocolate Parrotfish, Günther's Rainbowfish
Gunther's Wrasse, Pseudolabrus guentheri Click to enlarge image
A Gunther's Wrasse under Swansea Bridge, 22 November 2011. Image: Matt Dowse
© Matt Dowse

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Pseudolabrus
    Species
    guentheri
    Family
    Labridae
    Order
    Perciformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The species grows to 20 cm in length.

Introduction

Gunther's Wrasse is best recognised by the orange-brown lines on its head. It is commonly seen on coastal and estuarine reefs.

Identification

Gunther's Wrasse has a small mouth with canine teeth anteriorly in both jaws. Its colour varies from green to brown, often with dark spots along the upper sides. It is best recognised by the orange-brown lines on its head.

Habitat

It is commonly seen on coastal and estuarine reefs down to about 20 m in depth.

Distribution

The species is recorded from southern Queensland to southern 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

  1. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
  2. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
  3. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
  4. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.