Green Wrasse

Notolabrus inscriptus

The Green Wrasse, known scientifically as Notolabrus inscriptus, is a large member of the wrasse family, with males reaching up to 50 cm in length. Juveniles are identifiable by their greenish hue with white markings and distinctive eyespots on the dorsal and anal fins. Females exhibit a brown coloration with thin white stripes, while males are bluish-grey with an irregular scribbled pattern, which is the origin of their name. This species inhabits the southwestern Pacific, particularly around eastern Australia, Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island, the Kermadec Islands, and the northeast coast of New Zealand. They are typically found in rocky reefs and kelp beds at depths of up to 40 meters, although they are most commonly seen shallower than 30 meters. As carnivores, Green Wrasses feed primarily on benthic invertebrates, including mollusks and crustaceans. They exhibit territorial behavior, with males forming harems of up to six females or juveniles. Breeding involves distinct pairing, and they are oviparous. The IUCN lists them as Least Concern, and they are harmless to humans.