Labrus merula

Size range: 30-40 cm

Common size: 40 cm (max: 50 cm)

Depth range: 2-25 m (max: 50 m)

Habitat: mainly rocks covered with seaweed and on Posidonia meadows. Large individuals may be encountered in fairly shallow areas.

Water column position:

• Supra-benthic

Schooling characteristics:

• Solitary

Colors & patterns: Soft Posterior part of dorsal fin longer than deep. Dorsal, caudal and anal fins with blue edge. Lips are relatively flesh, pointing slightly upwards.

Despite its common name, the Brown Wrasse is most often greenish, but it may also appear brownish and mottled.

This may cause confusion with Labrus viridis.

• Males - large males are usually bluish
• Juveniles - juveniles in sea grass may be entirely green with a white longitudinal line, which is very similar to L. viridis juvenile.
• Special patterns : reproductive males usually become dark blue, sometimes specked with with pale-blue spots.

Behavior:

1. Reef-associated - related to sites it inhabits

2. Activity:??

• Diurnal
• Nocturnal
• Both
• Crepuscular

3. Approach:

• Shy / Indifferent

5. Feeding characteristic - Feed on sea urchins, ophiuroids, mollusks, crabs and worms.

Native/Exotic: Native

EM notes: rarely seen on visual fish census conducted by the lab.