Cuckoo Wrasse

Cuckoo Wrasse (Labrus mixtus), belongs to the class Osteichthyes, subclass Actinopterygii, order Perciformes, suborder Percoidei, family Labridae.

the male of cuckoo wrasse - labrus mixtus - intotheblue.it
Tordo fischietto maschio – the male of cuckoo wrasse – labrus mixtus – intotheblue.it

The cuckoo wrasse is a species of wrasse  native to the eastern Atlantic Ocean from Norway to Senegal, including the Azores and Madeira. It is also found in the Mediterranean Sea. They can be found amongst the algae  on rocky shores at depths from 2 to 200 m, though mostly between 40 and 80 m. This species is an important food fish for local populations and is also popular as a game fish.  It is also a popular fish for display in public aquaria.

This species is sexually dimorphic. The male normally has a blue head with a blue body and orange pattern and blue tail. During the breeding season. the body colouration gradually changes to an orange head and body with a blue pattern that may be more pronounced at the head. The male can reach 40 cm. The female, however, has an orange head, body, and tail with a black stripe on the dorsl fin broken up by a number of white spots. Females can grow to 30 cm.

 

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