Crimsonband Wrasse, Notolabrus gymnogenis (Günther, 1862)

Scientific name: Notolabrus gymnogenis
Alternative name/s:
Crimson-banded Parrot-fish, Crimson-banded Wrasse, Spotted Rainbowfish, White-spotted Rainbow-fish
Crimsonband Wrasse, Notolabrus gymnogenis Click to enlarge image
A male Crimsonband Wrasse at a depth of 12 m, Sutherland Point, Kurnell, Sydney, New South Wales, 16 August 2013. Image: Mike Jones
© Mike Jones

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Notolabrus
    Species
    gymnogenis
    Family
    Labridae
    Order
    Perciformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The Crimsonband Wrasse grows to 40 cm in length.

Introduction

The Crimsonband Wrasse is commonly seen by divers in the Sydney region. Females are usually seen in weedy areas. Males, with the white caudal peduncle and red fins, are immediately recognisable.

Identification

The Crimsonband Wrasse changes colour pattern with growth. Juveniles are a drab green to brown with white spots.

Females are red, green or grey with rows of white spots. Males have white cheeks, a red band across the body, red dorsal and anal fins and a white caudal peduncle and tail.

The species name gymnogenis comes from the Greeek gymnon meaning bare and genys meaning cheek. This refers to the nearly naked cheeks that have a single row of scales.

Crimson-banded Wrasse, Notolabrus gymnogenis
Crimson-banded Wrasse, Notolabrus gymnogenis
I.33370-002 Notolabrus gymnogenis

Habitat

The species occurs at depths of 4 m to 40 m. It is a common species on rocky, kelp-covered reefs in the Sydney region.

Distribution

It occurs from southern Queensland to eastern Victoria

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.

Feeding and diet

The Crimsonband Wrasse is a carnivore. It has an unusual upper jaw with two large teeth anterioroly and a single tooth curving forward at the rear of the jaw.

References

  1. Edgar, G.J. 1997. Australian Marine Life: the plants and animals of temperate waters. Reed Books. Pp. 544.
  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. 1993. Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Crawford House Press. Pp. 437.
  4. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.