
The Crimson-banded Wrasse changes colour pattern with growth. Juveniles are a drab green to brown with white spots (view images of juveniles on the fixation page).
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 tail.
The Crimson-banded Wrasse grows to 40 cm in length.
It occurs from southern Queensland to eastern Victoria at depths of 4 m to 40 m. It is a common species on rocky, kelp-covered reefs in the Sydney region.
View a map of the collecting localities of specimens in the Australian Museum Fish Collection.