The Emerald Wrasse is a species in the family of the Labridae and thus belongs to the superclass of the bony fish.
Description
Symphodus trutta has a light brown base colour with several dark, brown, horizontal stripes and white spots. The lower half of the head is also white. In general, his body is elongated and laterally compressed. Its fins have a reddish shimmer with bright streaks.
It will reach a maximum size of 18cm, with males becoming slightly larger than females.
Habitat and Distribution
Symphodus trutta lives over rocky reefs, preferably with algae growth, and in sea grass meadows, down to depths of 30m.
Except on La Palma and El Hierro, you can often see it diving in the Canary Islands.
It is also found around Madeira and Savage Islands.
Biology
The Emerald Wrasse lives solitaire.
At the time of reproduction, the male builds a nest of algae and gravel. After egg laying and fertilization the nest is guarded by the male.
Symphodus trutta feeds mainly on small invertebrates.
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