Symphodus mediterraneus
Symphodus mediterraneus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Axillary wrasse
Symphodus mediterraneus
photo by Patzner, R.

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Labrinae
Max. size:  18 cm SL (male/unsexed); max. reported age: 8 years
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 1 - 50 m
Distribution:  Eastern Atlantic: Portugal to northern Morocco, including Azores and Madeira and also throughout the Mediterranean.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Adults are found mainly in eel-grass beds. Often in pairs. Males nest-makers. Feed mainly on mollusks, gastropods, bivalves, tubicolous worms, chitons, sea urchins and bryozoans (Ref. 4742). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 July 2008 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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