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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
Often glimpsed between algal fronds or sheltered by a rock, the goldsinny wrasse is a small, lively fish with yellow-brown shades. Inconspicuous but common, it brings life to shallow coastal waters as it constantly searches for food. Its presence often reflects a rich, well-preserved habitat.
Habitat
Seagrass meadow, Rocky habitat
Depth
2-35 m
Group
Demersal fish
Role
Predator
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WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
The goldsinny wrasse is a small fish with warm colours, often yellow-brown to orange, and an elongated body. It usually has a dark spot at the base of the pectoral fin and another near the tail. Its dorsal fin has a thin, pale border. Its colour can vary with its surroundings, becoming greener in seagrass beds. During the breeding season, males become more colourful and may show small bluish markings on the head.
WHERE DOES IT LIVE?
It is mainly found in algae-rich rocky areas, but also in seagrass beds. It mostly lives in shallow water, generally between the surface and around thirty metres, although some individuals can be found deeper.
WHAT DOES IT EAT?
It feeds on small bottom-dwelling animals such as crustaceans, worms and molluscs. It actively explores rocks and algae to find 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.