How to Identify Bird Wrasse

To identify Bird Wrasse (Gomphosus varius), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Highly sexually dimorphic. Males are typically brilliant green to blue-green, often with a darker head and a pale band behind the pectoral fin. Females and juveniles are generally brown to reddish-brown, with a white belly and often a series of dark spots or blotches along the body. Some females may have a yellowish head. Terminal phase females can also develop male coloration.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Elongated, tubular snout (bird-like beak), Sexual dichromatism (males green, females brown/reddish), Protrusible mouth at the end of the snout

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin with 8 spines and 13 soft rays. The spinous portion is continuous with the soft-rayed portion.

Tail fin

Truncate to slightly rounded in juveniles and females, becoming more emarginate or lunate in large males.

Pectoral fin

Large and fan-like, typically with 15-16 rays.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are small and located ventrally.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Snout Shape

   The most distinguishing feature is the long, pointed, bird-like snout, which is unique among wrasses in its range.

2. 2

   Coloration (Males)

   Adult males are unmistakable with their vibrant green to blue-green bodies, often with a darker head and a pale vertical bar behind the pectoral fin.

3. 3

   Coloration (Females/Juveniles)

   Females and juveniles are typically brown or reddish-brown with a white underside, sometimes with dark spots or a yellowish head. This contrasts sharply with the male coloration.

4. 4

   Size

   Can reach up to 30 cm (12 inches) in total length, with males generally larger than females.

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