Labrus bergylta Ascanius, 1767
Ballan wrasse
photo by Østergaard, T.

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses)
Max. size:  65.9 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 4,350.0 g; max. reported age: 29 years
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 50 m
Distribution:  Eastern Atlantic: Norway to Morocco, including Madeira, the Azores and the Canary Islands. Doubtful reports from Mediterranean, Adriatic and Marmara seas (Ref. 4742), where it is often confused with Labrus merula.
Diagnosis:  Body rather massive. Mouth small with thick lips and large conical teeth. Coloration very variable, brownish and greenish predominating (Ref. 35388).
Biology:  Adults are found in littoral (10-20 m) zone around rocks, offshore reefs, and seaweed. Young often in intertidal areas. All are born females and change sex when they are 4-14 years old (Ref. 35388). One (or more) female spawns in nest of algae, built by male in a crevice. Feed on crustaceans and mollusks (Ref. 4742). Oviparous (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 10 August 2008 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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