Scribbled Wrasse

Interesting Info

• The Scribbled Wrasse is a colourful tropical wrasse found across northern Australia, from the central Western Australian coast, and across the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland.
• Males are brilliant green to blue-green, overlaid with black scribble-like markings across the body and fins—hence their common name.
• Females are reddish to orange-brown with scattered pale blue spots, while juveniles are darker brown or red with two black “eye spots” on the dorsal fin to confuse predators.
• They are protogynous hermaphrodites—meaning all start as females, with some transforming into males as they grow larger and more dominant.
• These wrasses live on coral-rich reefs, especially sandy slopes, rubble areas, and lagoons where they can quickly dive into the sand when threatened.
• They are daytime feeders, using their pointed snouts to probe rubble and sand for small crustaceans, molluscs, and worms.
• At night, they bury themselves completely in sand for protection from nocturnal predators.
• Their striking colours make them a favourite subject for underwater photographers, though they are shy and quick to dart for cover.
• Spawning occurs in pairs or small groups, with eggs and sperm released into open water where the eggs drift until hatching.
• They are often solitary but may also be seen in loose groups on productive reef slopes and lagoons.
• Predators include larger reef fishes such as snappers and groupers, as well as reef sharks and moray eels.
• Juveniles inhabit shallow, sheltered areas near coral rubble, while adults move onto deeper, more exposed reefs.