Golden Wrasse

Interesting Info

• The golden wrasse is a species of marine fish found in the shallow coral reefs and rocky shores of the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, and New South Wales, Australia.
• Males of this species have bright golden-yellow bodies with blue and purple markings on the face and fins, while females have duller yellow bodies with brownish markings.
• Golden wrasses are carnivorous and feed mainly on small invertebrates such as crustaceans, molluscs, and worms. They also feed on small fish and fish eggs.
• They are known to form social groups in the wild, often consisting of one dominant male and several females. These groups may also include juvenile males, which have not yet changed into their bright yellow coloration.
• Golden wrasses are highly active and curious fish, making them fun to observe in the wild. They are often seen darting in and out of coral crevices and rocky outcroppings, hunting for small invertebrates.
• Golden wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they begin life as females and can change into males as they mature. This process is triggered by social cues and changes in the size of the population.
• During breeding, males attract females by displaying their bright yellow coloration and performing courtship rituals. After mating, females lay eggs in nests that males have built in the sand or under rocks.
• Estimated lifespan is up to 6 years.