Pointed-snout wrasse (Symphodus rostratus)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Symphodus rostratus
- Common name
- Pointed-snout wrasse
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Labridae
- Genus
- Symphodus
- Size
- 6–12 cm
- Depth
- 1–30 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- seagrass
- Behaviours
- solitary, cryptic
- Ocean zones
- East Atlantic, Mediterranean
Description
Symphodus rostratus reaches 12 cm. Small Mediterranean wrasse with thin elongated body with particularly elongated pointed snout (hence rostratus, beaked), greenish to red-brown color perfect mimic of Posidonia leaves or algae. Protogynous hermaphrodite. Lives from 1 to 30 m exclusively in Posidonia seagrass of Mediterranean. Predator of small invertebrates associated with seagrass. Sought-after macro photo subject for perfect camouflage in Posidonia leaves.
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Pointed-snout wrasse?
- Pointed-snout wrasse (Symphodus rostratus) reaches 6–12 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Pointed-snout wrasse?
- Pointed-snout wrasse is found between 1–30 m deep.
- Is the Pointed-snout wrasse dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Pointed-snout wrasse?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Pointed-snout wrasse?
- Found in: East Atlantic, Mediterranean.
Other species in the genus Symphodus
- Symphodus mediterraneus - Axillary wrasse
- Symphodus ocellatus - Ocellated wrasse
- Symphodus tinca - Peacock wrasse
- Symphodus roissali - Five-spotted 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 273574)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2383991)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia