#austrolabrus

[drhoz]

#1745 - Austrolabrus maculatus - Blackspotted Wrasse

AKA Blackspotted Parrotfish.

A small Labrid, only 12cm long, and the only member of its particular genus. Found off southern Australia down to about 40m. 

The Labridae are diverse, and have complicated jaw morphology and thick lips that earned them the German and Dutch names Lippfische and lipvissen. Some species are capable of tool use, using rocks to smash open sea urchins. Many are protogynous hermaphrodites, with the largest fish in a group changing to male, although in some species they can change back to female if a bigger male is around. There is also some evidence that they can stay female, if its advantageous.

This particular individual was as fascinated by humans as we were by her - only coming to the window if there was a human nearby to look at.