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Labrus merula Linnaeus, 1758 Brown wrasse |
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photo by
Pontes, M. |
| Family: | Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Labrinae | |||
| Max. size: | 45 cm SL (male/unsexed); max. reported age: 17 years | |||
| Environment: | reef-associated; marine | |||
| Distribution: | Eastern Atlantic: Portugal to Morocco and Azores. Also in the Mediterranean. | |||
| Diagnosis: | ||||
| Biology: | Adults are found around rocks and seaweeds. Sometime schooling, more solitary when older. Feed on sea urchins, ophiuroids, mollusks, crabs and worms. They reach maturity when 2 years old (15-20 cm). Spawn during February to May in western Mediterranean (Ref. 4742). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). Males build dish shaped nests and guard the eggs (Ref. 205). | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 10 May 2008 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||