| Ocellated wrasse | |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Labridae |
| Genus: | Symphodus |
| Species: | S. ocellatus |
| Binomial name | |
| Symphodus ocellatus Forsskål, 1775 |
|
| Synonyms | |
Ocellated wrasse (Symphodus ocellatus) is the fish species of the Labridae family, common in the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea (includes the Black Sea, Sea of Marmara and Sea of Azov). Its Greek name is "χειλού", which means "she with the big lips" (apparently because of the fish's appearance). The maximal size is 12.0 cm. Inhabits reef-associated marine environment on depth range 1–30 m. Found near rocks and eel-grass beds. A nest of seaweed and algae (Cystoseira) built and kept by male. Feeds on bryozoans, hydroids, worms, shrimps, amphipods, and mollusks.