Fin's Fish Guide
The Corkwing wrasse (Symphodus melops) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 28 cm.
Northeast Atlantic and the western Mediterranean Sea, on rocky, seaweed-covered coasts and among seagrass.
Description
The corkwing wrasse is a colourful wrasse of the family Labridae reaching about 28 cm. The stout body is greenish to brown and mottled with thick lips; characteristic are a dark comma-shaped spot just behind the eye and a black spot on the tail base. Breeding males show fine blue-green winding lines on the head. The species lives on rocky, weedy shores and among seagrass of the north-eastern Atlantic, the North Sea and the western Mediterranean. It eats snails, small crustaceans and shellfish. Like many wrasses it is a protogynous hermaphrodite; the male builds a nest of weeds in a crevice and guards the eggs. The species is used as a 'cleaner fish' in salmon farms.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Corkwing wrasse?
The Corkwing wrasse has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a marbled pattern. Colourful wrasse with a dark comma-shaped blotch behind the eye and a black blotch on the caudal peduncle; males show blue-green winding lines on the head.
Where does the Corkwing wrasse live?
The Corkwing wrasse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Northeast Atlantic and the western Mediterranean Sea, on rocky, seaweed-covered coasts and among seagrass.
How big does the Corkwing wrasse get?
The Corkwing wrasse grows to a maximum of about 28 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Corkwing wrasse dangerous to humans?
No, the Corkwing wrasse is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Corkwing wrasse edible?
The Corkwing wrasse is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Corkwing wrasse and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Symphodus
More from the family Labridae
Want the complete picture on the Corkwing wrasse?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Corkwing wrasse is one of 12,519 species in the app.