Habitat
Wrasse are commonly found wherever reefs are present all around the Tasmanian coast where they will aggressively compete with other fish species for territory and food. This behaviour makes them prone to easy capture by fishing from rocks, wharves and boats.
Fishing information
Wrasse will take a variety of fish flesh baits, squid and even lures when fishing with rod and line. A good fighting fish, they have strong teeth which can weaken light fishing line to the point of breaking, therefore fishers may wish to use traces of heavier gauge leader material. A characteristic of wrasse is that when hooked, they will dive in between rock crevices or weed in an effort to evade capture.
Handling
Handle with care as wrasse can bite and they have sharp dorsal spines that can easily be damaged.
Cooking
The flesh of this fish is white and reasonable eating, providing moisture is not lost during the cooking process.