Depth
Symphodus · Bony Fish

Doderlein's Wrasse

Symphodus doderleini

2-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
2-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Reef & Open
Habitat
Carnivore
Diet
Solitary
Social
LC
IUCN Status
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Genus Symphodus
Species doderleini

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationSmall wrasse with a moderately deep body. Males are greenish with red and blue markings on the head. Females are brown with a pale stripe along the midline. Blunt snout.
  • SizeUp to 14 cm total length, commonly 7 to 10 cm.
  • Social HabitSolitary or in small groups near rocky cover. Males hold territories during breeding season.
  • HabitatRocky reefs and seagrass beds, often at the interface between rock and Posidonia meadows.
  • Depth2 to 40 m, most common between 5 and 20 m.
  • Feeds OnSmall crustaceans, molluscs, and worms picked from rock surfaces and seagrass blades.
  • DistributionMediterranean Sea. An endemic species.
  • DescriptionA small Mediterranean endemic wrasse named after the Italian naturalist Pietro Doderlein. Like many small wrasses, it is easily overlooked but is common on rocky reefs throughout the basin. Protogynous hermaphrodite, with the more colourful males representing transformed females.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Found across the Mediterranean, inhabiting reef & open environments. Active from the surface down to 40m 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 2-40m. 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.

Doderlein's Wrasse species card

Biology

Behaviour & Diet

Feeding Strategy

Picks small crustaceans, worms and amphipods from rocky surfaces and Posidonia blades. Forages in shallow, well-lit waters during the day.

Micro-predator

Reproduction

A protogynous hermaphrodite. Males build and guard algae nests where females deposit their eggs, with hatching taking several days.

Nest builder

Behaviour & Defence

Its reddish-pink colouration blends with the rocky and algae-covered substrates it inhabits. Retreats rapidly into dense Posidonia or rock crevices when disturbed.

Camouflage

Dive with diveshack

Where to Encounter in Malta

The following dive sites offer strong habitat match for Symphodus doderleini. 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