Fin's Fish Guide
The Emerald wrasse (Symphodus trutta) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 18 cm.
Eastern Atlantic around the Macaronesian islands and along Northwest Africa, on shallow rocky coasts.
Description
The emerald wrasse is a small wrasse of the family Labridae reaching about 18 cm. The elongate body has thick lips and is greenish to brown with blue longitudinal lines on the flanks; breeding males colour more brightly. The species lives on shallow rocky shores and among seagrass of the eastern Atlantic around the Macaronesian islands, such as the Azores, Madeira and the Canaries. It hunts small crustaceans, snails and worms. Like many wrasses it is a protogynous hermaphrodite, with females able to change into males. The male builds a nest of weeds and guards the eggs. Because of its small size it has no fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Emerald wrasse?
The Emerald wrasse has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Small wrasse with thick lips and greenish flanks with blue longitudinal lines; males colour more brightly in the spawning season.
Where does the Emerald wrasse live?
The Emerald wrasse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Eastern Atlantic around the Macaronesian islands and along Northwest Africa, on shallow rocky coasts.
How big does the Emerald wrasse get?
The Emerald wrasse grows to a maximum of about 18 cm. On average the species is around 10 cm.
Is the Emerald wrasse dangerous to humans?
No, the Emerald wrasse is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Emerald wrasse edible?
The Emerald wrasse is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Emerald wrasse and live in the same waters.
Want the complete picture on the Emerald wrasse?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Emerald wrasse is one of 12,519 species in the app.
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 Emerald wrasse?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Emerald wrasse is one of 12,519 species in the app.