Axillary wrasse
Symphodus mediterraneus
Special features
The body color of the Mediterranean wrasse can be very variable, from a pale light brown to salmon pink or yellowish silver.
That would of course make it a bit more difficult to search for him, but what he always has are two black spots: one at the base of the pectoral fins and one at the upper tail stem.
The front spot and eye are outlined in yellow.
Appearance
The Mediterranean wrapfish is long and slightly high-backed with a beak-shaped mouth.
Females and young animals are yellow-brown in color, while the males are slightly stronger in color, from red-brown to green-blue-brown.
During reproduction time, thin rows of blue dots run along her body and her throat has a blue glow, making for a beautiful photo opportunity.
Natural enemies
dental bream 
(Dentex dentex)
Dangerous/venomous
The Mediterranean wrapfish is neither dangerous nor venomous.
Sketch
1. Beak shaped mouth
2. High back
3. Dark spot
4. Blue shimmer
Pro tips
Mediterranean wrasse often travel in pairs.
Like other wrasse species, males construct plate-shaped nests in the sand to house their partner's eggs, which they diligently guard.
During this time, they use their pectoral fins to gently fan fresh water over the eggs, ensuring proper oxygenation.
This fascinating behavior is most commonly observed during the spawning season, which occurs between April and August.
Text: Carolina Leiter, Felician Hosp, Pia Balaka
Pic: Felician Hosp, Sabine Probst
Illustration: Sabine Probst
