Ctenolabrus rupestris
Ctenolabrus rupestris (Linnaeus, 1758)
Goldsinny-wrasse
Ctenolabrus rupestris
photo by Ferreira, V.

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Labrinae
Max. size:  18 cm TL (male/unsexed); max. reported age: 8 years
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 50 m
Distribution:  Eastern Atlantic: Norway to Morocco. Also known from the Mediterranean and Black Sea.
Diagnosis:  Dark spot on caudal peduncle and front end of dorsal fin (Ref. 35388).
Biology:  On rocky, weed-covered shores (1-50 m); larger specimens deeper than young. Feed on bryozoans, crustaceans and gastropods (Ref. 3397). Spawning takes place in summer when the male defends a territory (Ref. 35388). Used in salmon culture as cleaner fish (Helmut Tethmeyer, pers. comm.).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 June 2008 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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