Fin's Fish Guide
The Bluehead (Notolabrus tetricus) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 50 cm.
Temperate waters around southern Australia; rocky reefs and kelp areas.
Description
The blue-throated wrasse is a large wrasse of the family Labridae from the temperate waters around southern Australia. The species grows to about 50 cm; adult males have a dark front half with a conspicuous blue throat and a paler rear half, females are browner. It inhabits rocky reefs and kelp areas. With powerful jaws it crushes hard-shelled prey such as molluscs, crustaceans, sea urchins and sea snails. Like many wrasses it is a protogynous hermaphrodite: all individuals begin as females and the largest become males. The blue-throated wrasse is a valued angling fish and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bluehead?
The Bluehead has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Males with a strikingly blue throat; protogynous hermaphrodite that crushes hard-shelled prey.
Where does the Bluehead live?
The Bluehead lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Temperate waters around southern Australia; rocky reefs and kelp areas.
How big does the Bluehead get?
The Bluehead grows to a maximum of about 50 cm.
Is the Bluehead dangerous to humans?
No, the Bluehead is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bluehead edible?
Yes, the Bluehead is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Notolabrus
More from the family Labridae
Want the complete picture on the Bluehead?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bluehead is one of 12,519 species in the app.