Tautogolabrus adspersus
Cunner
Distribution
Description
A locally common, and usually readily approachable wrasse. Juveniles with black circular spot on rear dorsal fin. Larger adults develop gold flecks along the sides. This species can tolerate much lower temperatures than most wrasses by hibernating in groups. Individuals from along the reef gather in schools before winter in areas with deep crevices, and retreat into these when temperatures drop below ~7 degrees C.
Information
Max Size: 38 cm
Sea Temperature Range: 1.2-23.5°C
Depth: N/A
Habitat Generalization Index: N/A
Also referred to as the SGI (Species Generalisation Index), this describes the habitat niche breadth of the species. Species with values less than 15 are found in a relatively narrow range of reef habitat types (specialists), while those over 25 may be found on most hard substrates within their range (generalists). Learn more here.
Conservation and Rarity
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Occurrence: Widespread (74.1% of sites)
Occurrence describes how often the species is found on surveys within its distribution. It is calculated as the % of reef sites surveyed by RLS divers across all the ecoregions in which the species has been observed
Abundance: Many (86 per transect)
Abundance is calculated as the average number of individuals recorded per RLS transect, where present.
Edit by: Rick S-S