| Family: |
Labridae (Wrasses) |
| Max. size: |
28 cm SL (male/unsexed); max. reported age: 9 years |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine, non-migratory |
| Distribution: |
Eastern Atlantic: Norway to Morocco and the Azores. Also known from the western Mediterranean and Adriatic seas. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 14-17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-10; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-11. A few cephalic pores (7-12) on snout. Lips with 5-7 folds. Scales on temporo-occipital surface 3-5 rows; on inter-operculum 2-3 (6-13) scales; on cheek 4-7; behind eye 1. A small dark spot on caudal peduncle. Often 5 large brown blotches near dorsal fin. Females and young: with numerous spots on body more or less longitudinally lined, some sinuous lines on head (Ref. 231). Coloration very variable; ground color of the male is greenish or blue while females are brownish to yellowish (Ref. 35388). |
| Biology: |
This schooling, territorial fish occurs in the littoral zone, near rocks and eel-grass beds, also in lagoons. In summer ripe females show short ovipositor. Seaweed nest built by male among rocks or in crevices. Sex reversal sometimes observed. Feed on mollusks, hydroids, bryozoans, worms and various crustaceans (Ref. 4742). Males grow faster than females (Ref. 4742). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 October 2008 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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