Animal Species:Gunther's Wrasse, Pseudolabrus guentheri Bleeker, 1862

Alternative Name/s

Chocolate Parrotfish, Günther's Rainbowfish

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.

Size range

The species grows to 20 cm in length.

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.

Distribution by collection data

Ozcam map of Gunther's Wrasse specimens in the Australian Museum.

What does this mean?

Habitat

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

Classification

Species:

guentheri

Genus:

Pseudolabrus

Family:

Labridae

Order:

Perciformes

Class:

Actinopterygii

Subphylum:

Vertebrata

Phylum:

Chordata

Kingdom:

Animalia

What does this mean?

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.

Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated: 8 February 2013

Tags Fishes, Ichthyology, Günther's Wrasse, Pseudolabrus guentheri, Labridae, Gunther's wrasse, yellow, green, brown, red, white, black, 'normal fish', 10 cm - 30 cm, stripes or bands, coastal reef, marine, adult,