Quick Facts
Distribution

Interesting Info
- The Bluethroat Wrasse is a temperate reef fish endemic to southern Australia, found from southern New South Wales through Victoria, Tasmania, and across to southern Western Australia. It is especially common around Tasmania and Bass Strait islands.
- Males are striking, with a deep bluish throat patch (which gives the species its name), greenish-brown body, and yellow-orange fins. Females are smaller and usually reddish-brown to orange with mottled patterns.
- Juveniles are reddish-orange with pale spots and are often mistaken for a different species before they mature into the female phase.
- Bluethroat Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites, starting life as females before some change into dominant males when large enough to hold territories.
- They are powerful carnivores, using strong jaws and teeth to crush crabs, shrimps, molluscs, sea urchins, and worms. Their feeding helps regulate invertebrate populations on southern reefs.
- They are highly territorial. Males defend rocky reef patches and harems of females, especially during the breeding season, when they brighten in colour and patrol constantly.
- Spawning occurs in spring and summer, when males court females and eggs are released into the water column to drift until hatching. Like many wrasses, they show no parental care.
- They typically live 7–10 years, though some large males may survive longer if they can defend territories successfully.
- At night they wedge themselves into rocky crevices or under kelp for protection, sometimes changing to duller colours for camouflage.
- They are one of the most important wrasses ecologically and economically in southern Australia, with their abundance supporting a targeted fishery in Tasmania.
Species Interaction
Recreational Fishing, Snorkeling & Diving
Bluethroat wrasses are a popular recreational fish to catch along the southern coast of Australia. They are prized for their fighting ability and are often caught by anglers using bait such as prawns or small fish. They are also a beautiful and colourful fish that can be a delight to observe for snorkelers and divers. They are commonly found in rocky reef and seagrass habitats and can often be seen swimming in small groups or schools.
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Labridae
Genus: Notolabrus
Species: Notolabrus Tetricus
Conservation Status
The conservation status of the Bluethroat wrasse in Australia is currently listed as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This means that the species is not considered to be at significant risk of extinction, although localized declines due to overfishing or habitat degradation may occur.
Fish Taste Quality
Bluethroat wrasse is considered a good eating fish by some people who enjoy its firm white flesh and mild flavour. However, most wrasse are not a targeted fish for many Australians.
Taste Rating: 2/5
How to catch
Bluethroat Wrasse
Catch Difficulty: Intermediate
Tackle: Running Sinker Rig
Bait: Crab, Fresh cut flesh baits, Pilchards, Prawns, Squid, Worms
Technique: Keep bait on the bottom, Keep bait close to the reef/structure
Popularity: Targeted
Recreational Viewing
- Snorkeling & Scuba
Finding: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Location: Inner Reef, Outer Reef, Seagrass Beds
Danger: None