Herring Cale have teeth in both jaws fused into a parrot-like beak with serrate edges and like most wrasses, this species changes both sex and colour throughout its life
Juveniles are greyish to brownish above, yellowish below, with dark brown blotches, spots and lines, and a broken pearly stripe on the side.
Females are brown, darker above, with narrow blue wavy lines on the head; each scale with bluish white spot, fins brown with wavy blue lines.Males are pale blue to almost black with bright blue lines along the margins of the caudal fin, along the leading edge of the pectoral fin and on the snout.
This species was previously known as Odax cyanomelas
How to identify Olisthops cyanomelas?
What habitats does Olisthops cyanomelas live in?
It inhabits inshore rocky areas especially amongst kelp in the surge zone. Occurs in kelp forests, along exposed rocky coasts usually with brown macroalgae, and in Amphibolis griffithii seagrass beds
What is the distribution of Olisthops cyanomelas?
Southern Australia from Angourie Point, northern New South Wales, to the Houtman Abrolhos, Western Australia, and around Tasmania
How big does Olisthops cyanomelas grow?
Can grow to around 50cm
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.