| Family: |
Labridae (Wrasses) |
| Max. size: |
65.9 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 4,350.0 g; max. reported age: 29 years |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 50 m |
| Distribution: |
Eastern Atlantic: Norway to Morocco, including Madeira, the Azores and the Canary Islands. Doubtful reports from Mediterranean, Adriatic and Marmara seas (Ref. 4742), where it is often confused with Labrus merula. |
| Diagnosis: |
Body rather massive. Mouth small with thick lips and large conical teeth. Coloration very variable, brownish and greenish predominating (Ref. 35388). |
| Biology: |
Adults are found in littoral (10-20 m) zone around rocks, offshore reefs, and seaweed. Young often in intertidal areas. All are born females and change sex when they are 4-14 years old (Ref. 35388). One (or more) female spawns in nest of algae, built by male in a crevice. Feed on crustaceans and mollusks (Ref. 4742). Oviparous (Ref. 205). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 10 August 2008 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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