Bluehead Wrasse

Interesting Info

• The bluehead wrasse, is a species of wrasse found in Australia. They are commonly found in the Great Barrier Reef, as well as other reefs and rocky areas along the western, eastern and southern coasts of Australia.
• They are known for their distinctive coloration, which includes a bright blue head and throat, and a greenish-yellow body with pinkish-red spots. Males are larger than females and have a more intense blue coloration on their head and throat.
• Bluehead wrasses feed on small invertebrates and crustaceans, as well as algae and other plant matter.
• They are active during the day and typically rest at night in small crevices or holes in the reef. In addition, they are often found in small groups or pairs, and males will defend their territory from other males.
• They are known to exhibit a behaviour called “cleaning symbiosis,” where they will remove parasites from the skin of larger fish in exchange for protection.
• Male bluehead wrasses establish a territory on the reef and attract a group of females. During courtship, the male performs a display to attract the female, and they spawn together with the female releasing her eggs and the male fertilising them externally. After spawning, the male protects the eggs until they hatch, which takes a few days.
• The estimated lifespan is between 5 – 7 years in the wild.