Species encyclopedia

Ballan wrasse

Labrus bergylta

Distribution area

Group

Size

Conservation status

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Found in the coastal waters of the North-East Atlantic, from Scandinavia down to Morocco

Vertebrates
Ray-finned fishes

40 cm

Least Concern

Biology

This species belongs to the wrasse family, the Labridae, a name derived from the Latin labrum, meaning lip. Fish in this family are indeed easy to identify thanks to their thick lips.
The ballan wrasse displays beautiful colours that can vary greatly: brown, striped with orange, red or green, and speckled with white. These differences may be linked to the animal’s age, the environment it lives in or its sexual maturity.
This species lives along the coastline. It is found at depths of 10 to 20 m, in rocky areas and seaweed beds.

Habitat

This species lives along the coastline. It is found at depths of 10 to 20 m, in rocky areas and seaweed beds.

Reproduction

The male builds a nest of seaweed in which the female will lay her eggs. He then guards the nest until the eggs hatch, after an incubation period of around 10 days.

Did you know?
This species is a hermaphrodite. It is born female and can change sex between the ages of 4 and 14. It is described as protogynous.