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Australian maori-wrasse (Ophthalmolepis lineolata) — Labridae

Australian maori-wrasse

Ophthalmolepis lineolata
Family: Labridae
LC · Least Concern

The Australian maori-wrasse (Ophthalmolepis lineolata) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 40 cm.

Length
40 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
60.0–? m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

The Maori wrasse is a wrasse (Labridae) from the waters around southern Australia. The species has an elongate body with blue-grey and yellow tints and characteristic, winding blue lines over the head and flank. It occurs from coastal bays to offshore reefs, often in loose aggregations. With its small mouth it picks small bottom invertebrates from the reef and bottom. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Australian maori-wrasse?

The Australian maori-wrasse has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly blue and shows a horizontal stripes pattern.

Where does the Australian maori-wrasse live?

The Australian maori-wrasse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Australian maori-wrasse get?

The Australian maori-wrasse grows to a maximum of about 40 cm.

Is the Australian maori-wrasse dangerous to humans?

No, the Australian maori-wrasse is harmless to humans.

Is the Australian maori-wrasse edible?

The Australian maori-wrasse is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Maori-lipvis sourced
English name
Australian maori-wrasse verified
Scientific name
Ophthalmolepis lineolata
Family
Labridae
Other names
Butcher's prick; Maori; Maori parrotfish; Maori wrasse; Rainbow-fish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
40.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Blue inferred
Pattern
Horizontal stripes inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
60.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Protogynous (female first) sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Labridae

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