About Eupetrichthys angustipes Ramsay & Ogilby, 1888
The snakeskin wrasse, scientifically named Eupetrichthys angustipes, also goes by the common names slender parrotfish and slender wrasse. It is a species of wrasse that is native to the coastal waters of southern Australia. This species lives on rocky reefs at depths down to approximately 17 meters, which is 56 feet. It reaches a maximum standard length of 12.4 centimeters, equal to 4.9 inches. Eupetrichthys angustipes is the only known living member of the genus Eupetrichthys.
Snakeskin wrasse can be identified by their distinct body shape and colouration. They are small, slender wrasse with variable colour and pattern. Their upper body can be greyish, maroon, brownish, or dark green, and this dark upper colouration is sharply separated from their pale underside. They have five wide, oblique bands running along their flanks, and irregular dark spots covering their heads.
These fish are most often observed swimming just above the seabed, holding their head pointing obliquely upwards. They swim in short bursts near the sea floor, maintaining an angled posture with their head held up and making a gentle nodding motion as they move. When at rest, they frequently curl their body, or lie on their side, while keeping their head raised away from the seabed.
