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ALEXANDRE MEINESZ

Peacock Wrasse

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

In shallow waters, the peacock wrasse catches the eye with its changing colours and curious behaviour. Often seen searching among algae, it brings life to seagrass beds and rocky areas while contributing to the balance of this coastal ecosystem.

Habitat de Peacock Wrasse Habitat
Wreck, Seagrass meadow, Rocky habitat
Profondeur de Peacock Wrasse Depth
2-30 m
Groupe biologique de Peacock Wrasse Group
Demersal fish
Rôle écologique de Peacock Wrasse Role
Predator

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The peacock wrasse, often called “roucaou” in the Mediterranean, has a sturdy, slightly elongated body. The male displays bright colours combining green, yellow and brown, enhanced by lines and small red and bluish spots. The female is more subdued, with brownish to greenish shades. Like many wrasses, it can change its colours slightly depending on its surroundings or condition.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It mainly lives in shallow waters, often between the surface and around thirty metres. It is found on algae-covered rocks, in Posidonia seagrass beds and on mixed seabeds, where it has many hiding places.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

It feeds on small bottom-dwelling animals such as crustaceans, molluscs, worms and sometimes small sea urchins. It searches algae and rocks to find its prey.

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Other species — Demersal fish

Sharpsnout seabream Black Seabream Mediterranean Damselfish Mediterranean Rainbow Wrasse Two-banded seabream Gilthead Seabream Cardinalfish Ornate Wrasse

Same habitat and depth

Wreck species Seagrass meadow species Rocky seabed species

Same ecological role and depth

Predatory species

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