Pearly Wrasse

Interesting Info

• The pearly wrasse is a small fish species that is found in tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, including the northern coastal waters of Australia. From Western Australia to Queensland and small areas of northern New South Wales.
• Pearly wrasses have a distinctive appearance, with a white or cream-colored body covered in a network of blue-green lines and spots. Male fish have a blue-green head, while female fish have a pinkish head.
• They are a carnivorous species, feeding on small invertebrates such as crustaceans and molluscs.
• Pearly wrasses are known to be relatively social fish, often forming small groups or schools.
• They are generally found in areas with strong currents, where they use their streamlined bodies to move efficiently through the water.
• Pearly wrasses have been observed engaging in a behaviour known as “head standing,” where they swim upside-down near the surface of the water.
• They are a protogynous hermaphrodite, which means they start their lives as females and later transform into males as they mature. They breed in groups and spawn during the summer months.
• Estimated lifespan is up to 5 years.