Symphodus mediterrianeus

Photo by Shahar Malamud

Size range: 10-20 cm

Common size: 10-15 cm

Depth range: 3-20 (1-50)

Habitat: Specify the title (Hard, Soft or Vegetation) and the type:

• Hard - rocky
• Vegetation -sea grass

Water column position:

• Supra-benthic

Schooling characteristics:

• Solitary (Often in pairs )
• Colors & patterns:
• Overall colourreddish to greenish-brown, usually chocolate brown.
• Dark spot outlined with yellow on pectoral fin base, not very visible in females
• Large black blotch on upper part of caudal peduncle
• Head often with a lighter golden hue
• Males- more brightly coloured.
• Numerous blue spots and lines on body and fins
• Females often with vertical mottling

Behavior:

1. Whether the species is:

• Cryptic - overhangs

2. Activity:?

• Diurnal
• Nocturnal
• Both
• Crepuscular

3. Approach:

• Shy
• Indifferent

4. Unique behavior: males nest-makers

5. Feeding characteristic - feed mainly on mollusks, gastropods, bivalves, tubicolous worms, chitons, sea urchins and bryozoans

Native/Exotic:

EM notes: description of special east Mediterranean characteristics.