Animal Species:Southern Maori Wrasse, Ophthalmolepis lineolatus (Valenciennes, 1839)

The Southern Maori Wrasse can be recognised by its colour pattern and shape. It is an elongate fish that changes colour pattern with age and sex.

An adult male Maori Wrasse at Gordon's Bay

An adult male Maori Wrasse at Gordon's Bay
Erik Schlögl © Erik Schlögl

Alternative Name/s

Butcher's Prick, Maori, Maori Parrotfish, Maori Wrasse

Identification

Juveniles and females are red-orange above and red-orange to white below. Mature males develop a black stripe along the sides, blue spots on each of the body scales, and blue scribbles on the head.

The common name of this species refers to markings on the head of adult males, which are said to resemble the facial tattoos of New Zealand Maori people.

Size range

The species grows to 47cm in length.

Distribution

The species is endemic to Australia. It occurs from southern Queensland, around the south of the country to south-western Western Australia.

Distribution by collection data

Biomaps map of Southern Maori Wrasse specimens in the Australian Museum collection.

What does this mean?

Habitat

It inhabits coastal rocky reefs.

In warmer parts of its distribution, it is often seen in shallow water. In cooler, more southerly areas it is found at greater depths, sometimes down to 60 m.

Other behaviours and adaptations

The Southern Maori Wrasse is an inquisitive species that will often approach divers.

Classification

Species:
lineolatus
Genus:
Ophthalmolepis
Family:
Labridae
Order:
Perciformes
Class:
Actinopterygii
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Phylum:
Chordata
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?

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.


Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated:

Tags fishes, ichthyology, Southern Maori Wrasse, Ophthalmolepis lineolatus, Labridae,