Description

Also known as Corkwing, Gilthead, Goldmaid, Sand-reef Wrasse.

Found in schools, close to shore, over eelgrass beds and rocky areas of lagoons and coastal reefs. Very territorial.
They feed on crustaceans, hydroids, invertebrates, molluscs and worms.
Length - 28cm
Depth - 1-30m
Widespread Adriatic Sea, Eastern Atlantic, Western Mediterranean

Most reef fish seen by divers during the day, are grazers, they cruise around, just above the surface of the coral, or snoop into crevices, foraging for food.
Wrasses have small protruding teeth, which they use to graze the bottom, taking in a variety of algae, crustaceans, such as crabs, eggs, shrimps, snails and worms. Any hard coats or thick shells, are then ground down by their pharyngeal jaws, and the delicacies inside digested.
From juvenile to adult, wrasses dramatically alter their colour and body shapes.
Wrasses are always on the go during the day, but are the first to go to bed and the last to rise.
Small wrasses dive below the sand to sleep, and larger wrasses wedge themselves in crevices. Ref: https://www.fishbase.se/summary/59