Habitat 
Depth 
Group 
Role WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
This small wrasse often measures 8 to 10 centimetres. Its body is more streamlined than that of many other small wrasses, with a darker back and paler belly.
The broad central white stripe has a finer companion along the upper flank. A red mark may appear behind the eye and a black patch near the tail.
The sexes have fairly similar colours except during breeding, when males become redder. Female rainbow wrasse may resemble this striped outline.
WHERE DOES IT LIVE?
The species mainly frequents seagrass beds and, to a lesser extent, neighbouring rocky bottoms. It is often found between 5 and 30 metres deep.
Seagrass provides shelter, as well as many small animals associated with leaves and nearby surfaces.
WHAT DOES IT EAT?
Food includes worms, small molluscs, amphipods, which are small crustaceans, and bryozoans, attached animals that live in colonies.
Food is therefore found close to surfaces.
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