Surge wrasse
📖 Overview
Found almost exclusively in the surge zone of outer reef flats, reef margins, and rocky coastlines, down to a depth of about 10 m . Benthopelagic . Occur in groups of females that are spread out over large reef sections and dominated by few males. Males grow much larger than females . Feed on small invertebrates (crabs, sea urchins, brittlestars, mollusks), small fishes, echinoids, ophiuroids and polychaetes . Protogynous .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12 - 14; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 10 - 12. T. purpureum and T. trilobatum have nearly identical initial phases . They differ slightly in details of the head markings, and T. purpureum has a slightly longer head, shorter pectoral fins, and attains a larger size . Females best distinguished by the 'V' mark on the snout . Initial phase with a vertical dark red line below front of eye usually with a branch to front of snout (Ref 9823).: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Surge wrasse is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Pelagic spawner.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 10 m . Tropical; 32°N - 32°S Southeast Atlantic: southeast coast of South Africa.
🌿 Ecology
small invertebrates (crabs, sea urchins, brittlestars, mollusks), small fishes, echinoids, ophiuroid
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 24 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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