MINIMUM LEGAL SIZE: no minimum except for bluethroat wrasse.
BLUETHROAT WRASSE MINIMUM LEGAL SIZE: 28cm.
BAG/POSSESSION LIMIT: a total limit of 5 for one or more species.
Note: a total bag/possession limit of 40 fish applies to all scale fish species.

Often and wrongly dubbed parrot fish, the wrasse family has a huge number of species around the globe and are often difficult to differentiate. Wrasse are different from true parrot fish by having their canine front teeth separate rather than fused together. Worldwide there are more than 500 species of wrasse in some 60 family groupings, and Australia/New Zealand have a large number of these. Wrasse are rarely an angler’s main target and are usually caught when fishing for something else. They prefer rocky areas and can even prise molluscs off the rocks with their strong front teeth.

SIZE: Can grow to 45cm.

TACKLE: As these fish are often caught while rock-fishing and have very tough and large teeth, heavy line is advisable.

BAIT: Will eat practically anything presented.

EATING: A reasonable table fish.