Fin's Fish Guide
The Five-spotted wrasse (Symphodus roissali) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 17 cm.
Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, on shallow rocky and seagrass bottoms.
Description
The five-spotted wrasse is a small wrasse of the family Labridae reaching about 17 cm. The stout body is greenish to brown and mottled with thick lips and bears a row of dark spots along the base of the dorsal fin, from which the species takes its name. Breeding males colour more brightly, green with red tints and pale lines on the head. The species lives on shallow rocky and seagrass bottoms of the Mediterranean and the adjacent eastern Atlantic. It hunts small crustaceans, snails and shellfish. Like many wrasses it is a protogynous hermaphrodite; 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 Five-spotted wrasse?
The Five-spotted wrasse has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a marbled pattern. Small wrasse with a row of dark blotches along the base of the dorsal fin; in courtship males colour green with red tints.
Where does the Five-spotted wrasse live?
The Five-spotted wrasse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, on shallow rocky and seagrass bottoms.
How big does the Five-spotted wrasse get?
The Five-spotted wrasse grows to a maximum of about 17 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.
Is the Five-spotted wrasse dangerous to humans?
No, the Five-spotted wrasse is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Five-spotted wrasse edible?
The Five-spotted wrasse is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Five-spotted 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 Five-spotted wrasse?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Five-spotted wrasse is one of 12,519 species in the app.