Corkwing wrasse

D-Goldmaid; GB-Corkwing wrasse; DK-Savgylte; PL-Wargacz melops; LT-Tamsiadryžė žaliažuvė; EST-Lauk-sälkhuulkala; RU-Темнополосая зеленушка; S-Skärsnultra

Characters

1) Thick, fleshy lips.
2) Long, not divided dorsal fin, with spines in anterior part.
3) Blackish blue, kidney-shaped spot behind eye.
4) Black spot in lower area of caudal peduncle.
●) Body with colourful pattern: shiny green, yellow, red with darker, browny spots.
Usually 15 to 20 cm, max. up to 28 cm length.

Similar species

Goldsinny wrasse - black spot at beginning of dorsal fin and on upper egdge of caudal peduncle.

Ballan wrasse - light spots on scales and fins; without striking black spots.

Biology

Occurs in coastal areas, near to rocks and seagrass. They often live gregariously with older and younger individuals. Males build a nest of sea weed between stones and crevices. Life expectancy up to 9 years.

Diet

Feeds on crustaceans, molluscs, bryozoan and worms.

Importance

Of no commercial importance.