Depth
Symphodus · Bony Fish

Axillary Wrasse

Symphodus mediterraneus

1-50m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
1-50m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Reef & Open
Habitat
Carnivore
Diet
Solitary
Social
LC
IUCN Status
High
Sighting Likelihood
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Genus Symphodus
Species mediterraneus

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationSmall wrasse with a moderately deep body. Males show greenish body with blue and orange markings. Females and juveniles are brown with a distinctive dark spot at the base of the pectoral fin (the axil).
  • SizeUp to 15 cm total length, commonly 8 to 12 cm.
  • Social HabitSolitary or in small groups near rocky cover. Males territorial during breeding.
  • HabitatRocky reefs, seagrass beds, and boulder fields. Prefers areas with mixed substrate and plenty of cover.
  • Depth1 to 50 m, most common between 3 and 20 m.
  • Feeds OnSmall crustaceans, molluscs, and worms picked from substrate surfaces.
  • DistributionMediterranean Sea and adjacent Atlantic coast from Portugal to Morocco.
  • DescriptionNamed for the dark spot in the axil (base of the pectoral fin), which is present in all colour phases. A common but unshowy wrasse that is easily confused with other small Symphodus species. Protogynous hermaphrodite that may change from female to male.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Found across the Mediterranean, inhabiting reef & open environments. Active from the surface down to 50m depth.

Where Malta divers have spotted this species

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Sightings are logged by divers using our What Did You See? dive-log tool. View the full live sightings map.

Detail

Preferred Environment

Reef & Open habitats, typically at depths of 1-50m. Most commonly encountered by divers at the shallower end of its range.

Encounter Tips

Best approached slowly and calmly. Avoid casting shadows directly over the animal. Neutral buoyancy and patience increase encounter success significantly.

Axillary Wrasse species card

Biology

Behaviour & Diet

Feeding Strategy

Picks small invertebrates including amphipods, worms and tiny molluscs from rocky substrates and seagrass. Forages actively during daylight hours.

Micro-predator

Reproduction

A protogynous hermaphrodite, starting life as female and becoming male. Males build and guard nests of algae in which females deposit eggs.

Nest builder

Behaviour & Defence

Its small size and drab colouration help it avoid detection among Posidonia beds and rocky rubble. Darts quickly into vegetation when disturbed.

Camouflage

Dive with diveshack

Where to Encounter in Malta

The following dive sites offer strong habitat match for Symphodus mediterraneus. All are accessible on a guided dive with diveshack.

5-30m
North Malta

Cirkewwa

Rocky reef with caves, arches and ledges hosting a rich diversity of reef species.

View dive site ›
5-50m
Gozo

Blue Hole

One of the Med's most famous reef dive sites. Rocky walls and archways covered in life.

View dive site ›
18-36m
South Malta

Um El Faroud

The wreck lies on a sandy bottom surrounded by rocky reef -- a diverse habitat attracting reef species.

View dive site ›
IUCN Red List Least Concern

Conservation Status

This species is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Mediterranean populations face ongoing pressure from fishing activity, habitat degradation, and climate-driven changes to prey availability.

Source: iNaturalist Guide #888
by Lesley Clements (CC BY-SA)
diveshack Mediterranean Marine Life guide