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
 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:   (Ref. 96402)
 Threat to humans:  harmless
 Country info:   
 

 Entered by: Luna, Susan M. - 30.07.91
 Modified by: Luna, Susan M. - 22.07.11
 Checked by: Agustin, Liza Q. - 25.08.94

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