Brown wrasse (Labrus merula) fish species and information / pictures of Brown wrasse - Labrus merula

Brown wrasse (Labrus merula) fish species information

Scientific Name
Labrus merula

Common Name
Brown wrasse

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).

Classification

Classified By
Linnaeus, 1758
Class
Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)
Order
Perch-like fish (Perciformes)
Family
Wrasses (Labridae)

Distribution

Region
Eastern Atlantic
Distribution
Eastern Atlantic: Portugal to Morocco and Azores. Also in the Mediterranean.
Range
46°N - 20°N, 32°W - 36°E

Environment

Climate
Subtropical
Water Temperature From
Unknown °C
Water Temperature To
Unknown °C
Depth From - meters
Unknown m
Depth To - meters
Unknown m
Zone
reef-associated
Environment
Marine; reef-associated
Trophic Level
3.18 s.e. 0.39 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
45.0 cm
Common Length
40.0 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; aquarium: commercial
Vulnerability
Moderate vulnerability (44 of 100)
Resilience
Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (K=0.22-0.36; tmax=17)
Threat To Humans
  Harmless
IUCN Red List Status
  Least Concern (LC)