Author: (Linnaeus, 1758)
FBname: Mediterranean rainbow wrasse
Comments: Occurs in the littoral zone, near rocks and eelgrass beds.  Usually found between 1-60 m, but old males stay in deeper water.  Found in deeper waters during winter.  Sometimes solitary, among rocks, often with numerous specimens in its immediate vicinity.  Buries itself in sand at night or when frightened.  Feeds on small gastropods, sea urchins, shrimps, worms, isopods and amphipods.  Sexually mature when 1 year old.  Protogynous species; females change sex to become males; specimen above 18 cm length are all males (Ref. 35388).  Pelagic eggs (Ref. 4742).