Southern Maori Wrasse

The Southern Maori Wrasse (Ophthalmolepis lineolatus) is variable in colour and pattern depending on sex and maturity. As juveniles and adult females they display a thick red to brown bar that runs along the upper body from head to tail and a white to yellow bar below. As mature males a black bar develops on the mid body covered in very small blue spots and the face displays small squiggly blues lines, white to grey underneath. Usually found along coastal and offshore reefs.

Size: 50cm (Maximum)

Diet: Crustaceans, molluscs, sea urchins