Ballan wrasse

D-Gefleckter Lippfisch; GB-Ballan wrasse; DK-Berggylte; PL-Wargacz kniazik; LT-Vaivorykštinė lūpažuvė; EST-Laiguline huulkala; RU-Радужный губан; FIN-Viherhuulikala; S-Berggylta

Characters

1) Very thick, fleshy lips.
2) Long, not divided dorsal fin, with spines in its anterior part.
●) Strong greenish or reddish with white spots all over the body (every scale), also on head and fins; without striking black spots.
Usually 30 to 50 cm, max. up to 60 cm length.

Similar species

Corkwing wrasse - black spot behind eye and on lower part of caudal peduncle.

Goldsinny wrasse - more slender lips; black spot at beginning of dorsal fin and on upper edge of caudal peduncle.

Biology

Occurs on rocks, seagrass and in riffs in shallow areas, often down to 20 m depth. Females deposit their eggs in nests of algae. The nests are build by males in crevices. Become sexually mature with about 2 years. Spawning season in the summer months.

Diet

Feeds preferably on crustaceans and molluscs.

Importance

Of little commercial importance.