Bluethroat Wrasse

Notolabrus Tetricus
Bluethroat Wrasse - Marinewise © 2025 MarineWise

Quick Facts

Scientific name Notolabrus Tetricus
Other names Bluehead Parrotfish, Bluenose Parrotfish, Bluethroat Parrotfish, Kelpie, Lilac Banded Parrotfish, Rocky Bream, Tetric Wrasse
Size Up to 50 cm (19.68 in)
Weight Up to 1.5 kg (3.3 lb)

Distribution

Habitat & AU Distribution Deeper coastal waters amongst weedy, rocky areas & reef
Depth Range 1 - 30 m (100 ft)
Bluethroat Wrasse 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