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:

  1. 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