Fin's Fish Guide
The Scale-rayed wrasse (Acantholabrus palloni) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 25 cm.
Northeast Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, on rocky and gravel-covered bottoms, usually deeper than most other wrasses.
Description
The scale-rayed wrasse is a small wrasse of the family Labridae reaching about 25 cm. The elongate, brownish to yellow-brown body has the thick lips typical of wrasses and usually bears a dark spot at the tail base and a spot at the rear of the dorsal fin. Unlike many relatives the species lives fairly deep: on rocky and gravel-covered bottoms of the north-eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean, often tens to more than a hundred metres down. Among the stones it searches for small crustaceans, molluscs and worms, which it crushes with strong throat teeth. Because of its small size and deep lifestyle it has hardly any fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Scale-rayed wrasse?
The Scale-rayed wrasse has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Small, deeper-living wrasse with thick lips, a dark blotch at the base of the tail and usually a blotch at the rear of the dorsal fin.
Where does the Scale-rayed wrasse live?
The Scale-rayed wrasse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Northeast Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, on rocky and gravel-covered bottoms, usually deeper than most other wrasses.
How big does the Scale-rayed wrasse get?
The Scale-rayed wrasse grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.
Is the Scale-rayed wrasse dangerous to humans?
No, the Scale-rayed wrasse is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Scale-rayed wrasse edible?
The Scale-rayed wrasse is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Scale-rayed 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 Scale-rayed wrasse?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Scale-rayed wrasse is one of 12,519 species in the app.