Labrus merula Linnaeus, 1758
Brown wrasse
Labrus merula
photo by Pontes, M.

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses)
Max. size:  45 cm SL (male/unsexed); max. reported age: 17 years
Environment:  reef-associated; marine
Distribution:  Eastern Atlantic: Portugal to Morocco and Azores. Also in the Mediterranean.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Adults are found around rocks and seaweeds. Sometime schooling, more solitary when older. Feed on sea urchins, ophiuroids, mollusks, crabs and worms. They reach maturity when 2 years old (15-20 cm). Spawn during February to May in western Mediterranean (Ref. 4742). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). Males build dish shaped nests and guard the eggs (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 10 May 2008 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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