Fin's Fish Guide
The Doderlein's wrasse (Symphodus doderleini) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 10 cm.
Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, in seagrass beds and on rocky bottoms of shallow coastal water.
Description
Doderlein's wrasse is a small, slender wrasse of the family Labridae reaching about 10 cm. The elongate body is brownish with a conspicuous dark lengthwise stripe along the flank, often with a bluish tinge and a spot on the caudal peduncle; like other wrasses it has thick lips. The species is a protogynous hermaphrodite: individuals begin as females and may later turn into males. It lives in seagrass beds and on rocky bottoms of shallow coastal water of the Mediterranean and the adjacent eastern Atlantic. Among the plants it searches for small crustaceans, molluscs and worms. In spring the male builds a nest of weed and guards the eggs. Because of its small size it has no fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Doderlein's wrasse?
The Doderlein's wrasse has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Small, slender wrasse with thick lips and a dark longitudinal stripe along the flank; often with a bluish sheen and a blotch on the caudal peduncle.
Where does the Doderlein's wrasse live?
The Doderlein's wrasse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, in seagrass beds and on rocky bottoms of shallow coastal water.
How big does the Doderlein's wrasse get?
The Doderlein's wrasse grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.
Is the Doderlein's wrasse dangerous to humans?
No, the Doderlein's wrasse is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Doderlein's wrasse edible?
The Doderlein's wrasse is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Doderlein's 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 Doderlein's wrasse?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Doderlein's wrasse is one of 12,519 species in the app.