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Ring Slender Wrasse

Ring Slender Wrasse

Hologymnosus Annulatus

Quick Facts

Scientific name Hologymnosus Annulatus

Other names Narrow Banded Rainbowfish, Ring Wrasse, Ringed Wrasse

Size Up to 40 cm (15.7 in)

Weight Up to 1.25 kg (2.75 lb)

Distribution

Habitat & AU Distribution Coastal waters amongst sandy & rubble areas next to seaward reefs

Depth Range 1 - 30 m (100 ft)

Interesting Info

The ring slender wrasse is a small, colourful marine fish that is native to the waters around Australia and other parts of the western Pacific. It is found mainly in the northern parts of the country, from Western Australia to Queensland.
The body of the ring slender wrasse is cylindrical in shape with a pointed snout and a small mouth with thick lips. The coloration of the species can vary, but it typically has a bright blue-green body with yellow or orange highlights on the fins and tail.
It feeds on small invertebrates, crustaceans, and fish. The species has been observed engaging in cleaning behaviour, in which it removes parasites and dead skin from the bodies of larger fish.
The species has been observed to change colour when threatened or during courtship displays.
The ring slender wrasse is a protogynous hermaphrodite, meaning that it can change sex from female to male during its lifetime. Males exhibit more vivid coloration than females and may display courtship behaviour during breeding season. After fertilisation, the eggs hatch into planktonic larvae that drift in the water column before settling onto suitable substrate in the reef environment.
Estimated lifespan is up to 5 years.

Species Interaction

Recreational Fishing, Aquarium, Snorkeling & Diving

Ring slender wrasse are often caught as bycatch for anglers targeting other species. They are typically a catch and release species. They are more know for their striking colours and are a popular species for aquariums and to observe in the wild for snorkelers and divers.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Perciformes

Family: Labridae

Genus: Hologymnosus

Species: Hologymnosus Annulatus

Conservation Status

The conservation status of the ring slender wrasse in Australia is currently listed as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This means that the species is not considered to be at significant risk of extinction in the wild, although it may face localized threats such as habitat degradation and overfishing in some areas.