Story: Coastal fish

Female spotty

Female spotty

The spotty (Notolabrus celidotus) has different colorations for males and females. So named due to a spot or spots on their otherwise rather nondescript bodies, they are endemic to New Zealand and are found all around the coast. Members of the wrasse family (Labridae), they are opportunistic feeders, eating a wide variety of food. Small crustaceans are favoured by juveniles, while adults seek larger prey such as crabs and brittle stars. Also known by the names kelpie, guffy and the Māori paketi, it is a popular catch among children fishing from wharves.

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How to cite this page:

Carl Walrond, 'Coastal fish - Shallow-water fish', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/8813/female-spotty (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by Carl Walrond, published 12 Jun 2006