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Maori Wrasse
Ophthalmolepis lineolatus (Valenciennes, 1839)

A maturing male Maori Wrasse at a depth of 18m, Shark Point, New South Wales. View larger image.

Juvenile and maturing male Maori Wrasse at a depth of 18m, Shark Point, New South Wales. View larger image.

An adult male Maori Wrasse at a depth of 6m, Gordon's Bay, Sydney, New South Wales, February 1999. View larger image.

A juvenile Maori Wrasse at a depth of 18m, Split Solitary Island, New South Wales, May 2003. View larger image.

A 4 cm long juvenile Maori Wrasse at a depth of 8 m, Fly Point, Port Stephens, New South Wales, June 2004. View larger image. Photo: David Harasti.

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

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 Maori Wrasse grows to 47cm in length.

This species is endemic to Australia. It occurs from southern Queensland, around the south of the country to south-western Western Australia. It inhabits coastal rocky reefs.

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

View a map of the collecting localities of specimens in the Australian Museum Fish Collection.

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.

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Maori Wrasse Ophthalmolepis lineolatus (Valenciennes, 1839)

Further reading

Maori Wrasse
Ophthalmolepis lineolatus (Valenciennes, 1839)