Fin's Fish Guide
The Ocellated wrasse (Symphodus ocellatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 19 cm.
Description
The ocellated wrasse is a small wrasse from the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea and the eastern Atlantic. The species grows to about 18 cm; breeding males are handsomely coloured with blue and orange tones and an ocellated spot behind the eye. It lives on vegetated rocky bottoms and seagrass beds to about 30 metres and eats small invertebrates such as bryozoans, worms, shrimp and molluscs. The male builds a dish-shaped nest of weeds and guards the eggs. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Ocellated wrasse?
The Ocellated wrasse has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly multicoloured and shows a spots pattern. The male builds a saucer-shaped nest of seaweeds and guards the eggs; ocellated blotch
Where does the Ocellated wrasse live?
The Ocellated wrasse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Mediterranean Sea and eastern Atlantic
How big does the Ocellated wrasse get?
The Ocellated wrasse grows to a maximum of about 19 cm.
Is the Ocellated wrasse dangerous to humans?
No, the Ocellated wrasse is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Ocellated wrasse edible?
The Ocellated wrasse is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Ocellated 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 Ocellated wrasse?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Ocellated wrasse is one of 12,519 species in the app.