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Possum wrasse (Pictilabrus brauni) — Labridae

Possum wrasse

Pictilabrus brauni
Family: Labridae

The Possum wrasse (Pictilabrus brauni) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
7.4 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia

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Description

The Possum wrasse is a wrasse (Labridae) from temperate reef and kelp water of southern Australia. The species grows to about 18 cm and has an elongate, green-brown with fine pale spots body that changes colour with age and sex. As a bottom-oriented fish it swims by day among weed, seagrass and rocks and picks small crustaceans, molluscs and worms. Like many wrasses a female can change sex. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Possum wrasse?

The Possum wrasse has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly green.

Where does the Possum wrasse live?

The Possum wrasse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: Australia

How big does the Possum wrasse get?

The Possum wrasse grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Possum wrasse dangerous to humans?

No, the Possum wrasse is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Possum wrasse sourced
Scientific name
Pictilabrus brauni
Family
Labridae
Other names
Braun's wrasse sourced

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.4 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Green sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
Oceania: Australia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Protogynous (female first) sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Pictilabrus

More from the family Labridae

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