Brownspotted Wrasse
Notolabrus parilus
Brownspotted wrasse is a coastal temperate reef fish from southern Australia and nearby waters, usually seen over rocky reefs, kelp, and seagrass beds. It forages close to the bottom on small benthic invertebrates and is not a major target for most anglers.
Identification points
- Brown mottling or spotting over the body, often with a muted olive-brown base color
- Wrasse-like elongated body with a continuous dorsal fin running most of the back
- Small mouth and a profile built for picking food from the reef and weed rather than chasing baitfish
Habitat
Shallow coastal reefs, kelp beds, and seagrass edges, typically over rocky structure with sand or rubble nearby in temperate marine waters.
Bait notes
Small pieces of prawn, squid, mussel, or marine worms work well. Small soft plastics and lightly weighted baits fished close to the bottom can also take fish, especially around reef edges.
Behavior
A bottom-oriented wrasse that picks crustaceans, mollusks, worms, and other small invertebrates from the reef and weed. It is often active near cover and responds to subtle movement along structure.
Caution
Check local regulations before keeping any wrasse, as size and bag limits may apply. As a reef fish, it may also be subject to local contamination advisories in some areas; obey site-specific seafood warnings.
Fishing notes
Use light tackle, small hooks, and minimal sinker weight. Fish slowly along reef edges, kelp pockets, and broken ground, keeping the bait near the bottom; it is more of an incidental or light-tackle species than a prime target.