Purple wrass (Notolabrus fucicola)
Last Modified: 21-12-2021 7:22
© Christopher Cookson License this image
Purple wrass (Notolabrus fucicola) is a common wrass found throughout New Zealand and Australia around rocky reefs and kelp beds. They belong to the same genus as the common spotty (Notolabrus celidotus) and are a similar size, however can be distinguished from spotties as they are a darker colour and instead of the distinctive dark spot, have a series of five yellow patches on their upper body.
This example was observed at Whites Bay near the southern end of the bay around rocks amongst kelp and other marine algae species; a typical habitat for this species.
Image Date: 19/12/2021
Photographer: Christopher Cookson
Location: Latitude: -41.38821 Longitude: 174.056442