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Goldsinny Wrasse

Distribution : Mediterranean · Atlantic Ocean

The goldsinny wrasse entered Norwegian aquaculture in an unexpected way. After early trials of using wrasse to clean salmon showed promising results, a commercial fishery for live goldsinny began in 1988, supplying salmon farms with fish capable of removing sea lice. Scotland followed in 1989. The wrasse’s commercial value came from its ability to eat salmon parasites, rather than from its flesh or appearance. The practice subsequently raised questions about the sustainability of harvesting wild populations to supply fish farms.

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Habitat of Goldsinny Wrasse Habitat
Seagrass meadow, Rocky habitat
Depth range of Goldsinny Wrasse Depth
2-35 m
Biological group of Goldsinny Wrasse Group
Ecological role of Goldsinny Wrasse Role
Predator

Average size

11 cm

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

A small, round black spot stands out high on the orange-brown body of the goldsinny wrasse (Ctenolabrus rupestris), just ahead of its rounded tail fin. Some individuals have a second spot at the front of the dorsal fin.

The snout and back may have a reddish tinge, while the belly remains white. Yellow-orange lines alternate with fine, sometimes faint white lines along the sides. Together they form the outline of a small, elongated fish in warm colours.

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?

The goldsinny wrasse searches for small animals among seaweed and on rocks. It eats marine worms, crustaceans and molluscs. It may also catch larvae and very young fish, as well as bryozoans, tiny animals that form colonies attached to rocks or seaweed. It picks up prey with its mouth while exploring small hiding places on the seabed.

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Goldsinny Wrasse

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Other species — Demersal fish

Mediterranean Damselfish Brown Meagre Grey Wrasse Peacock Wrasse Black Seabream Gilthead Seabream Mediterranean Rainbow Wrasse Ornate Wrasse

Same habitat and depth

Seagrass meadow species Rocky seabed species

Same ecological role and depth

Predatory species

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What is this species’ ecological role?

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