Five-spotted Wrasse

Overview

The Five-spotted Wrasse is a small, solitary marine fish native to the Mediterranean Sea and the temperate waters of the eastern Atlantic. It is typically found in shallow coastal environments, where it is often observed near rocky reefs and seagrass beds.

Distribution & habitat

This species is distributed from the Gulf of Gascogne to Gibraltar, including the Mediterranean and Black Seas. It prefers shallow, coastal waters, frequently inhabiting rocky areas and dense eel-grass meadows where it can blend into the surroundings.

Appearance

This wrasse features a fusiform body shape and displays significant color variation depending on sex, size, season, and environment. While many individuals exhibit a reddish hue, others may appear olive or emerald green. A characteristic dark spot is typically present on the caudal peduncle, and individuals often show a dark band on the snout connecting the eyes, along with faint oblique lines on the cheeks.

Biology & behavior

Five-spotted Wrasse are generally solitary and diurnal. They are known to be protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning individuals can change sex from female to male. Males grow faster than females and play a central role in reproduction by building cup-shaped nests out of seaweed and sand during the spring and early summer. Once the nest is prepared, the male performs courtship displays to attract females and subsequently guards the eggs after spawning.

Feeding

This species is a hunter that feeds primarily on a variety of small invertebrates. Its diet includes mollusks, bivalves, gastropods, shrimps, sea urchins, hydroids, and bryozoans.