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ALEXANDRE MEINESZ

Cuckoo Wrasse

In Dive.Explo360: Mediterranean · Northeast Atlantic · Atlantic Ocean

Seeing a cuckoo wrasse on a rocky drop-off is often a special moment. The male displays a spectacular mix of blue, green and orange, while the female remains less conspicuous. By searching through algae and crevices, this fish contributes to the balance of coastal seabed life.

Habitat de Cuckoo Wrasse Habitat
Rocky habitat, Coralligenous habitat
Profondeur de Cuckoo Wrasse Depth
2-150 m
Groupe biologique de Cuckoo Wrasse Group
Demersal fish
Rôle écologique de Cuckoo Wrasse Role
Predator

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The cuckoo wrasse is a fish whose colours differ greatly between the sexes. The male displays bright shades of blue, green and orange, often marked with lines or winding patterns. The less conspicuous female is orange-red with several clearly visible pale spots towards the rear of the body.Its body is elongated and slightly compressed from side to side, with a rounded head and a robust mouth adapted to catching hard prey. Its colours become particularly intense during the breeding season.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

The cuckoo wrasse mainly lives on rocky seabeds rich in algae, but also in coralligenous areas. It inhabits a wide range of depths, from a few metres to several tens or even more than a hundred metres.Adults are often solitary or seen in small groups. Males generally occupy and defend a territory, especially during the breeding season.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

The cuckoo wrasse feeds mainly on invertebrates living on the seabed, such as crustaceans, molluscs and small attached organisms or those hidden among algae.Its strong teeth allow it to crush shells and search the substrate to dislodge prey.

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Rocky seabed species Coralligenous habitat species

Same ecological role and depth

Predatory species

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