Brokenline Wrasse, Stethojulis interrupta (Bleeker, 1851)

Scientific name: Stethojulis interrupta
Alternative name/s:
Broken-lined Wrasse, Cutribbon Wrasse, Spot-bellied Rainbow-fish
Brokenline Wrasse Click to enlarge image
An initial phase Brokenline Wrasse at a depth of 12 m, Fly Point Marine Reserve, Port Stephens, New South Wales, June 2004. Image: David & Leanne Atkinson
© David & Leanne Atkinson

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Stethojulis
    Species
    interrupta
    Family
    Labridae
    Order
    Perciformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The Brokenline Wrasse grows to 13 cm in length.

Introduction

The Brokenline Wrasse is a tropical marine fish found in the Great Barrier Reef. It can be recognised by its unique colouration.

Identification

The Brokenline Wrasse is a relatively slender fish that can be recognised by its colouration. Initial phase fish are yellowish brown or pinkish to grey above and pale with black spots below . The snout is yellow and the area in front of the pectoral fin base is often tinged with red.

Terminal phase fish are greenish above and pale below. A blue stripe runs along the sides of the body from below the pectoral fin base to the caudal peduncle. There is an orange-red blotch above the pectoral fin base. A blue line runs from the top of the head along the upper sides of the body to below the rear of the dorsal fin. Blue lines run horizontally through the top and bottom of the eyes.

Distribution

The species occurs primarily in tropical marine waters of the Indo-West Pacific. In Australia it is known from the south-western to north-western coasts of Western Australia and from the northern Great Barrier Reef, Queensland south to the southern coast of 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. Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
  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.
  5. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.