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Grey wrasse (Symphodus cinereus)

Key facts

Scientific name
Symphodus cinereus
Common name
Grey wrasse
Category
Fish
Family
Labridae
Genus
Symphodus
Size
8–16 cm
Depth
1–30 m
IUCN status
Least concern (LC)
Danger level
Harmless
Habitats
seagrass, sand
Behaviours
solitary, schooling
Ocean zones
East Atlantic, Mediterranean

Description

Symphodus cinereus reaches 16 cm. Small Mediterranean wrasse with elongated uniform grey-cinereus body (hence cinereus) with some diffuse spots, less colorful compared to other Symphodus. Protogynous hermaphrodite. Lives in small loose schools from 1 to 30 m on Posidonia seagrass, sandy bottoms and shell debris of Mediterranean and East Atlantic. Spawning on algae. More discreet than other Symphodus of Mediterranean ecosystem. Macro photo subject to complete Mediterranean wrasse collection.

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Grey wrasse?
Grey wrasse (Symphodus cinereus) reaches 8–16 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Grey wrasse?
Grey wrasse is found between 1–30 m deep.
Is the Grey wrasse dangerous to divers?
Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Grey wrasse?
IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Grey wrasse?
Found in: East Atlantic, Mediterranean.

Other species in the genus Symphodus

  • Symphodus mediterraneus - Axillary wrasse
  • Symphodus rostratus - Pointed-snout wrasse
  • Symphodus ocellatus - Ocellated wrasse
  • Symphodus tinca - Peacock wrasse
  • Symphodus roissali - Five-spotted wrasse
  • Symphodus melops - Corkwing wrasse

Other species in the family Labridae

  • Cheilinus undulatus - Humphead wrasse
  • Labrus bergylta - Ballan Wrasse
  • Sparisoma cretense - Mediterranean parrotfish
  • Coris julis - Mediterranean rainbow wrasse
  • Thalassoma pavo - Ornate wrasse
  • Bodianus rufus - Spanish hogfish

Sources

  • Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 273567)
  • Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
  • Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2384043)
  • Conservation: IUCN Red List
  • Encyclopedia: Wikipedia