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Saddle wrasse

Thalassoma duperrey

Saddle wrasse© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

The Saddle wrasse (Thalassoma duperrey) is a small, colorful reef fish found in shallow tropical waters. It is popular with spearfishers and snorkelers for its bright markings, but is rarely targeted by anglers because of its modest size. Anglers pursue it mainly for sport and to practice light‑tackle techniques.

Fight
Taste

Basic Information

Family

Labridae

Max Size

28 cm

Habitat

marine

Climate

tropical

Best Season

Late spring to early fall (May‑September)

Best Time

Early morning or late afternoon when fish are active near the surface

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Saddle wrasse

  • Use a light spin‑rod (2‑3 lb test) and a 4‑6 ft tip length for delicate presentations.
  • Tackle small jigs, soft plastics, or live shrimp/baitfish under a light split‑shot weight near structure.
  • Cast close to reef ledges, drop‑offs, or seagrass patches and retrieve with a slow, erratic twitch to trigger a strike.
  • Keep the drag low; the fish are quick but not strong, so a gentle hook set and quick reel‑in prevents loss.

Top Fishing Locations for Saddle wrasse

beginner85% Very Common

Abundant saddle wrasse on volcanic reef drop-offs, easy to target from shore or kayak

Best: May-October

Bora Bora Lagoon

French Polynesia
intermediate70% Very Common

Clear lagoon with steep reef walls where saddle wrasse form schools near the crest

Best: April-September

Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef

Australia
intermediate78% Very Common

Remote reef island with healthy coral ecosystems hosting large populations of saddle wrasse

Best: September-November

Ras Mohammed National Park

Egypt
beginner82% Very Common

Red Sea protected area with steep drop-offs where saddle wrasse are plentiful year‑round

Best: March-June

North Bay, Christmas Island

Australia (Christmas Island)
intermediate75% Very Common

Isolated volcanic shorelines with strong currents that concentrate saddle wrasse, a hotspot for enthusiasts

Best: November-February

Baa Atoll

Maldives
intermediate68% Common

Outer atoll reefs with abundant reef fish, saddle wrasse often seen around coral heads

Best: January-April

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Saddle wrasse

Recommended Equipment

RodLight spinning rod, 2‑3 lb test, fast action
Line4‑6 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeMicro jigs, tiny soft plastics, or small surface poppers
TechniqueCasting/retrieving near structure with light jigging

Best bait: Live shrimp or small baitfish, or 'N/A' if using lures