Senator Wrasse
Pictilabrus laticlavius
Senator Wrasse (Pictilabrus laticlavius) is a temperate eastern Australian wrasse associated with rocky reefs and kelp in shallow coastal waters. Males are brightly patterned and territorial; this species is mostly of interest to divers and bycatch anglers rather than a targeted game fish.
Identification points
- Adult males show a striking blue-green body with a broad reddish or orange lateral band.
- Body is laterally compressed with a blunt wrasse head and small terminal mouth.
- Dorsal fin is long and continuous, and the species has a distinctly reef-camouflage mottled pattern in females/juveniles.
Habitat
Shallow temperate rocky reefs, kelp beds, and broken bottom with algae, usually close to shore from the intertidal zone to moderate depths.
Bait notes
Small baits work best: peeled prawn, squid strips, worm, or tiny pieces of shellfish fished near the bottom. Small soft plastics and very small metal jigheads can also tempt fish around reef edges.
Behavior
Day-active and reef-oriented, feeding on small benthic invertebrates such as crustaceans, mollusks, and worms picked from rock and weed cover; males can be territorial around reef structure.
Caution
Sharp reef terrain makes hook removal risky; watch for spines and abrasive rocks. Check local regulations before keeping any wrasse from marine reef areas.
Fishing notes
Use light line and small hooks, and fish close to reef, weed, or kelp cover with a slow sink and gentle lift. It is usually a bycatch species, so avoid heavy tackle that snags in the rough bottom.