axillary wrasse

Scientific name Symphodus mediterraneus
Descriptor Linnaeus
Year of description 1758
IUCN category (World) LC
Family Labridae
Genus Symphodus
Symphodus mediterraneus Symphodus mediterraneus

Introduction

Symphodus mediterraneus, commonly known as axillary wrasse, is a salt water fish.

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Who is it?

Morphology

  • Type
  • Average size
    12 cm
  • Maximum size
    18 cm
  • Shape
    Rectangular
  • Type
  • Average size
    12 cm
  • Maximum size
    18 cm
  • Shape
    Rectangular

How to recognize the axillary wrasse ?

The axillary wrasse measures between 12 and 18 cm. This fish is multicolore with a predominantly rouge, jaune and orange body.

Behaviour & Life cycle

  • diet
    omnivorous with carnivorous tendency
  • Sociability
    living as a couple or alone
  • territorial
    Yes
  • Way of living
    diurnal

The axillary wrasse is a fish living as a couple or alone naturally found near the bottom. This species is omnivorous with carnivorous tendency .

The axillary wrasse is a territorial animal that does not tolerate any incursions into its living area. It is particularly virulent against other territorial species and it can provoke heated fights. Relationships between conspecifics are also hectic, with each seeking to secure its place.

Reproduction

  • Reproduction
    ovipare qui pond sur substrat découvert
  • Hermaphrodite
    protogynous

The axillary wrasse is a fish ovipare qui pond sur substrat découvert. always born female. Growing up, individuals will change sex to become male, this is called successive hermaphroditism of the protogynous type.

Harmless species

This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.

Where to find it?

Conservation status of populations (IUCN)

World : LC

Where to see this species?

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

  • Temperature
    16 - 28 °C
  • Depth
    0 - 25 m

Biotope presentation

The axillary wrasse is most often found at a depth between 0m and 25m. However, it is not impossible to find this species at other depths.

Species of the same biotope

Fishkeeping

Not recommended

We do not recommend keeping this species in an aquarium. It has unpredictable needs which, if not met, generate significant stress, potentially leading to a shorter life expectancy, an interruption of its growth or the development of pathogens.

To go further

Species of the same family

To read on the web

Sources & Contributions

Participation & Validation

The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.

Benoit Chartrer

Benoit Chartrer

Translation

Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.

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Where to see this species?

Scientific partners

Species of the same family

Same genus

Species of the same biotope

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