Snakeskin Wrasse, Eupetrichthys angustipes (Ramsay & Ogilby, 1888)

Scientific name: Eupetrichthys angustipes
Snakeskin Wrasse, Eupetrichthys angustipes Click to enlarge image
A Snakeskin Wrasse in Sydney Harbour. Image: Richard Vevers
© Richard Vevers

Fast Facts

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

Introduction

The Snakeskin Wrasse can be recognised by its shape and colour. It is often observed swimming slightly above the seabed, with its head pointing obliquely upwards.

Identification

The Snakeskin Wrasse can be recognised by its elongate body and colour pattern. It has broad bands on the side of the body and spots on the head.

Habitat

The species is most commonly seen over sandy substrates near weedy or rocky areas from depths of only a few metres to around 40 m.

Distribution

The Snakeskin Wrasse is endemic to Australia, occurring in temperate marine waters from northern New South Wales to south-western 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.

Other behaviours and adaptations

It is often observed swimming slightly above the seabed, with its head pointing obliquely upwards. It also commonly assumes a curled positon on the bottom with its tail pointing forward and its head raised off the bottom.

References

  1. Edgar, G.J. 1997. Australian Marine Life; the plants and animals of temperate waters. Reed Books. Pp. 544.
  2. 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.
  3. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
  4. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
  5. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.