Labrus mixtus
Size range: 30-35 cm
Common size: 30 cm (max: 44 cm)
Depth range: 15-50 m (max: 200 m)
Habitat: Hard - rocky, coral (likes coralligenous grounds)
Water column position:
- Supra-benthic
Schooling characteristics:
- Solitary
Colors & patterns: body is slender, with very pointed lips.
prominent differences between male and female:
- Females - background color is salmon-pink (sometimes red-orange). 3-4 black blotches along back, alternating with smaller white blotches.
- Males - head have a golden-yellow background color, sometimes the whole body as well. The body has numerous blue lines, especially anteriorly.
- Juveniles - background color is salmon-pink (sometimes red-orange)
Behavior:
- Reef-associated & partially Cryptic - likes caves and shaded overhangs
2. Activity:??
- Diurnal
- Nocturnal
- Both
- Crepuscular
3. Approach:
- mainly Shy. Territorial males are more easily approachable
- Indifferent
4. Unique behavior: nests are guarded by the males. Females lay about 1,000 eggs in a nest made by algae.
5. Feeding characteristic - feed mainly on crustaceans but also fishes, mollusks, and worms
Native/Exotic: Native
EM notes: Mainly in the western Mediterranean, haven't been seen in the Israeli coasts.
Female Labrus mixtus