Depth
Symphodus · Bony Fish

Corkwing Wrasse

Symphodus melops

1 - 30 m
Depth Range
28 cm
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
1 - 30 m
Depth Range
28 cm
Max Size
Rocky Shores
Habitat
Carnivore
Diet
Solitary
Social
LC
IUCN Status
Moderate
Sighting Likelihood
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassActinopterygii
GenusSymphodus
Speciesmelops

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationSmall, deep-bodied wrasse with a blunt snout. Males are brightly coloured with green, blue, and orange markings and a dark crescent mark behind the eye. Females are brown with mottled markings.
  • SizeUp to 25 cm total length, commonly 10 to 15 cm.
  • Social HabitMales are strongly territorial during breeding season and build elaborate nests from algae in rock crevices.
  • HabitatRocky reefs, boulder fields, and seagrass beds with mixed substrate. Prefers areas with plenty of algal cover.
  • Depth1 to 50 m, most common between 2 and 20 m.
  • Feeds OnCrustaceans, molluscs, worms, and sea urchins. Also picks parasites from other species.
  • DistributionEastern Atlantic from Norway to Morocco, including the Mediterranean Sea.
  • DescriptionA small but characterful wrasse known for the elaborate algae nests that males construct during breeding season. The male builds a ball-shaped nest from seaweed, then courts females to lay eggs inside, which he then guards and fans.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Common on rocky shores and shallow reef areas with abundant algal cover from 1 to 30 m depth. Found across the Mediterranean, particularly in the western basin, and into the Eastern Atlantic.

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

Rocky shores and shallow reefs with abundant macroalgae. Found among boulders, in rock pools, and around kelp and fucoid algae stands. Prefers sheltered to moderately exposed locations with good algal growth.

Encounter Tips

Search rocky reef areas in shallow to moderate depths, particularly where algal growth is abundant. Males near nests are conspicuous and approachable during the breeding season.

Corkwing Wrasse species card

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Where to Encounter in Malta

Dive sites where Symphodus melops may be encountered will be added as sighting data is collected.

IUCN Red ListLeast 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.

Source: IUCN Red List
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