Scientific Name
Labrus bergylta

Common Name
Ballan wrasse

Biology
Adults are found in littoral (10-20 m) zone around rocks, offshore reefs, and seaweed. Young often in intertidal areas. All are born females and change sex when they are 4-14 years old (Ref. 35388). One (or more) female spawns in nest of algae, built by male in a crevice. Feed on crustaceans and mollusks (Ref. 4742). Oviparous (Ref. 205).

Classification

Classified By

Ascanius, 1767

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Perch-like fish (Perciformes)

Family

Wrasses (Labridae)

Distribution

Region

Eastern Atlantic

Distribution

Eastern Atlantic: Norway to Morocco, including Madeira, the Azores and the Canary Islands. Doubtful records from Mediterranean, Adriatic and Marmara seas (Ref. 4742).

Range

68°N - 20°N, 32°W - 30°E

Environment

Climate

Temperate

Water Temperature From

Unknown °C

Water Temperature To

Unknown °C

Depth From - meters

1 m

Depth To - meters

50 m

Zone

reef-associated

Environment

Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 50 m (Ref. 5292), usually 2 - 30 m (Ref. 35388)

Trophic Level

3.07 s.e. 0.30 Based on diet studies.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

True

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

False

Occurs on Reefs

True

Is kept in Aquariums

True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

65.9 cm

Common Length

50.0 cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5625 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: subsistence fisheries; gamefish: yes; aquarium: commercial

Vulnerability

High to very high vulnerability (67 of 100)

Resilience

Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (K=0.1; tmax=29; tm=2-9)

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Least Concern (LC)