Symphodus ocellatus
שפתון עינוני
Size range: 8-10 cm (max: 13 cm)
Common size: ?
Depth range: 1-15 m (max: 30 m)
Habitat: Specify the title (Hard, Soft or Vegetation) and the type:
- Hard - rocky: mainly adults
- Vegetation - sea grass: young individuals
Water column position:
- Benthic/Supra-benthic
Schooling characteristics:
- Solitary
- Small groups - sometimes
Colors & patterns:
This species has several patterns, but the common characteristic is the oval-shaped blotch on the gill cover.
Additionally, a dark band on sides with a pale white band above, and a small black spot on middle of caudal peduncle.
- Females - blotch on gill cover is dark to pale brown.
- Males - blotch on gill cover is colorful (red-pink outline, greenish inside)
- Juveniles - sometimes orange pattern, see below
- Special patterns:
- Mottled pattern, typical to males when taking care of eggs in the nest.
- Orange pattern, with overall golden-yellow to brown-orange color. Ocellus is often visible but the longitudinal stripes often missing.
Behavior:
- Whether the species is:
- Reef-associated
2. Activity: ???
- Diurnal
- Nocturnal
- Both
- Crepuscular
3. Approach: Shy
4. Unique behavior: Distinct pairing during breeding season. Males taking care of eggs - they build a dish shaped nest and guard the eggs.
5. Feeding characteristic - Invertebrates - bryozoans, hydroids, tubicolous, worms, shrimps, amphipods and mollusks.
Native/Exotic: Native.
EM notes: not very common.