Depth
Symphodus · Bony Fish

Pointed-snout Wrasse

Symphodus rostratus

1-50m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
1-50m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Rocky Reef
Habitat
Carnivore
Diet
Solitary
Social
LC
IUCN Status
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Genus Symphodus
Species rostratus

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationSmall wrasse with a pointed, upturned snout. Males are green with red and blue markings. Females are brown with a dark lateral stripe. The pointed snout is distinctive among small wrasses.
  • SizeUp to 13 cm total length, commonly 6 to 9 cm.
  • Social HabitSolitary or in small groups near rocky cover. Males territorial during breeding.
  • HabitatRocky reefs, seagrass beds, and mixed substrate areas.
  • Depth1 to 30 m, most common between 3 and 15 m.
  • Feeds OnSmall crustaceans, molluscs, and worms foraged from surfaces.
  • DistributionMediterranean Sea and adjacent Atlantic coast from Portugal to Morocco.
  • DescriptionA small, common wrasse distinguished by its characteristically pointed and slightly upturned snout. Like other Symphodus wrasses, males are more colourful than the drab brown females. A protogynous hermaphrodite frequently seen on shallow Mediterranean rocky reefs.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Found across the Mediterranean, inhabiting rocky reef 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

Rocky Reef 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.

Pointed-snout Wrasse species card

Biology

Behaviour & Diet

Feeding Strategy

Uses its elongated snout to pick tiny invertebrates, crustaceans and worms from crevices and among algae on rocky substrates.

Benthic forager

Reproduction

A protogynous hermaphrodite with haremic social structure. Dominant males display vivid courtship colours during the breeding season.

Hermaphrodite

Behaviour & Defence

Buries itself in sand to sleep and to escape predators. The elongated body shape allows rapid penetration into the substrate.

Sand burial

Dive with diveshack

Where to Encounter in Malta

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

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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