Fin's Fish Guide
The Goldsinny wrasse (Ctenolabrus rupestris) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 18 cm.
Northeast Atlantic and the western Mediterranean Sea, on rocky, seaweed-covered coasts.
Description
The goldsinny wrasse is a small wrasse of the family Labridae reaching about 18 cm. The elongate, red-brown body has thick lips and, as a hallmark, a conspicuous dark spot at the front of the dorsal fin and a second spot at the top of the tail base. The species lives on rocky, weedy shores of the north-eastern Atlantic and the western Mediterranean, sheltering in crevices. It hunts small crustaceans, molluscs and worms. Like many wrasses it is a protogynous hermaphrodite. The goldsinny is used on a large scale as a 'cleaner fish' in salmon farms, where it picks sea lice off farmed salmon; in the wild it has no fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Goldsinny wrasse?
The Goldsinny wrasse has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Small, red-brown wrasse with a conspicuous dark blotch at the front of the dorsal fin and a second at the top of the caudal peduncle.
Where does the Goldsinny wrasse live?
The Goldsinny 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.
How big does the Goldsinny wrasse get?
The Goldsinny wrasse grows to a maximum of about 18 cm. On average the species is around 11 cm.
Is the Goldsinny wrasse dangerous to humans?
No, the Goldsinny wrasse is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Goldsinny wrasse edible?
The Goldsinny wrasse is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Goldsinny wrasse and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Labridae
Want the complete picture on the Goldsinny wrasse?
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