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Species ID

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Southern Maori Wrasse

( Ophthalmolepis lineolatus )
Description

Other names

Butcher’s Prick, Maori Wrasse, Australian Maori-wrasse, Maori Parrotfish, Rainbow-fish

How to Catch
Distribution
Eating
Fast Facts
  • Is a member of the family Labridae (wrasses)
  • Can grow to 47cm in length
  • Protogynous Sequential hermaphrodites. Like many of the wrasses, they begin life as female and change to male as they age
  • Earns it’s name from the distinguishing bright blue lines on the head
  • Slippery to handle
  • Frequents coastal reef environments
  • Endemic to Australia’s temperate waters from QLD to WA
  • Occurs solitary
  • Common sight for divers, very curious and will often swim around a divers head
  • Common catch when fishing with small baits/hooks
  • Edible but not a renown table fish