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DORIS recommends our site’s innovative, playful and interactive approach for taking your first steps in underwater biology.
DORIS is the reference website for underwater biology. It aims to record, illustrate and describe as many common and rare species as possible that can be seen while diving or along the shore in mainland and overseas French waters.
In Dive.Explo360: Mediterranean · Northeast Atlantic · Atlantic Ocean · Black Sea
Often seen searching the sand, the grey wrasse is an inconspicuous inhabitant of seagrass beds and lagoons. Its slender silhouette and small dark spot at the base of the tail help identify it. Despite its discreet appearance, it plays an important role in the balance of shallow coastal seabeds.
Habitat
Sand, Rocky habitat, Seagrass meadow
Depth
5-25 m
Group
Demersal fish
Role
Predator
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WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
The grey wrasse is a small, inconspicuous fish with greyish to beige colours, often marked with darker shades. Its body is elongated and relatively slender. A dark spot is usually visible at the base of the tail, a useful identifying feature. Depending on the individual, fine, darker lines may also be visible along the body, but they are not always prominent.
WHERE DOES IT LIVE?
It lives in shallow coastal areas, particularly on sandy seabeds, in Posidonia seagrass beds and in lagoons. It is frequently found in calm, sometimes slightly brackish environments, where it moves close to the seabed.
WHAT DOES IT EAT?
It mainly feeds on small invertebrates found in the sand or near the seabed, such as worms, small crustaceans and molluscs. It actively searches the substrate for food.
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After recognising a marine species, watch it in its environment in the diving videos. Articles and learning paths help you understand its habitat and its relationships with other organisms; games help you remember your discoveries.