Common Name: Blackspotted Wrasse

Distribution: Common in the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Endemic to Australia, known from northern New South Wales to southern New South Wales, with a separate population from Kangaroo Island to southern Western Australia.

Ecological Notes: Frequents rocky reef, especially kelp and sponge habitats, 10 m to a depth of at least 40 m.

Additional Notes: Juveniles and females (as pictured above) have a white bar and white-edged black spot on the caudal peduncle, with numerous small black spots on the head and dorsal surface of the body. The black spot is less distinct and the anterior dorsal surface is yellowish in adults, lower photograph. Constantly moves through a defined territory, feeds on benthic invertebrates. Grows to 20 cm.

References: Kuiter, R. H., Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Published by Crawford House Press Pty. Ltd., 1993. p. 276.