Description

Also known as Atlantic Wrasse, Small-mouthed Wrasse.

Found singly or in pairs, close to rocks and seagrass beds, over shallow, coastal shorelines.
They feed on small benthic invertebrates.
Length - 18cm
Depth - 5-15m
Widespread Eastern Central Atlantic, Mediterranean

Most reef fish seen by divers during the day are grazers, that cruise around just above the surface of the coral or snoop into crevices looking for algae, worms and small crustaceans.
Wrasses have small protruding teeth and graze the bottom taking in a variety of snails, worms, crabs, shrimps and eggs. 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/22498