Purple Wrasse

Notolabrus fucicola (Richardson 1840)

Adults are greyish to greenish with a purple hue, and have five yellowish blotches along the back extending onto the dorsal fin, and often a yellow band at the back of the head behind the gill cover.

Juveniles are reddish-brown, greenish-brown or greyish-green with greenish and orange mottling.

Unlike most wrasses, which usually change sex from female to male during their life, all Purple Wrasses start life as females, and some change sex to become males before they mature. So, both large males and females are present in the population, which is relatively rare in the family Labridae

How to identify Notolabrus fucicola?

What habitats does Notolabrus fucicola live in?

Rocky reefs out to a depth of 90m

What is the distribution of Notolabrus fucicola?

In Australia it is known from southern New South Wales, Tasmania and Victoria to eastern South Australia

How big does Notolabrus fucicola grow?

can grow to around 45cm

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Provided by The Atlas of Living Australia
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Disclaimer: A lot of work goes into trying to identify and ensure accurate identifications are made and that the listed Descriptions, Sizes, Habitats and Distribution information is as accurate and valid as possible. Unfortunately, information in this arena is ever changing and as such no guarantee can be offered that it is correct or currently valid as a result the information is provided as a guide, and it is always suggested that you do a little research to ensure you have the latest and most accurate information. View the reference's or bibliography I welcome any feedback and comments on the information provided.

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