How big is the Axillary wrasse?

Axillary wrasse (Symphodus mediterraneus) reaches 8–18 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Axillary wrasse?

Axillary wrasse is found between 1–50 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Axillary wrasse?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Axillary wrasse?

Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.

Axillary wrasse (Symphodus mediterraneus)

Key facts

Scientific name: Symphodus mediterraneus
Common name: Axillary wrasse
Category: Fish
Family: Labridae
Genus: Symphodus
Size: 8–18 cm
Depth: 1–50 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: rocky-reef, seagrass
Behaviours: solitary
Ocean zones: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean

Description

Symphodus mediterraneus reaches 18 cm. Very common Mediterranean wrasse with red-brown to pink-orange body with two distinctive black spots at dorsal fin base and black spot on caudal peduncle. Males more colorful during reproduction. Protogynous hermaphrodite. Lives from 1 to 50 m on rocky bottoms, coralligenous and Posidonia seagrass of Mediterranean and nearby East Atlantic. Predator of small invertebrates. Builds algae nests defended by males. Classic macro photo subject of Med dives.

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Axillary wrasse?: Axillary wrasse (Symphodus mediterraneus) reaches 8–18 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Axillary wrasse?: Axillary wrasse is found between 1–50 m deep.
Is the Axillary wrasse dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Axillary wrasse?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Axillary wrasse?: Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.

Other species in the genus Symphodus

Other species in the family Labridae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 273569)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2384029)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia