Five-spotted wrasse (Symphodus roissali)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Symphodus roissali
- Common name
- Five-spotted wrasse
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Labridae
- Genus
- Symphodus
- Size
- 10–17 cm
- Depth
- 1–30 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- rocky, seagrass
- Behaviours
- solitary, territorial
- Ocean zones
- East Atlantic, Mediterranean
Description
Symphodus roissali reaches 17 cm. Recognizable by five dark spots regularly aligned along the base of the dorsal fin. Body varies from green-yellow to brown, males more colorful during breeding. Protogynous hermaphrodite. Frequents rocky bottoms and seagrass edges down to 30 m. Builds an algae nest defended by the male.
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Five-spotted wrasse?
- Five-spotted wrasse (Symphodus roissali) reaches 10–17 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Five-spotted wrasse?
- Five-spotted wrasse is found between 1–30 m deep.
- Is the Five-spotted wrasse dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Five-spotted wrasse?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Five-spotted 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 melops - Corkwing wrasse
- Symphodus cinereus - Grey 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 273573)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2384006)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia