Volume 37, Plate XXII / Ichthyology (Fish)

Blue-Striped Wrasse

Labrus mixtus

Well known in the Mediterranean and off France, England, and Ireland, the Cook Wrasse has a larger body and head than the Ballan, an uncompressed tail, and very lively colours, sometimes reaching thirteen inches. Greenish verging to brown on the forepart, with the hinder back orange or lilac-yellow, it bears five blue or violet streaks forming a net-work on the cheeks and a wholly blue caudal; little esteemed as food, it is chiefly used for bait.