A moderately large species, to about 300 mm. Like many wrasse species these fish have two colour phases and develop a large black band that runs vertically through their body. They also change their sex, this is not associated with colour changes and happens up to 3 years later.

It is common on rocky reefs. It occurs mainly in shallow water but recorded to depths of about 91 m

Feeds on molluscs and small crustaceans

NZ Marine Fishes: Paul
Russell, B. & Choat, J.H. 2010. Notolabrus cinctus. In: IUCN 2013. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. . Downloaded on 07 February 2014.