Goldsinny wrasse

Biology

Measuring about 11 centimetres, the goldsinny wrasse inhabits rocky areas and seagrass beds at depths up to 50 metres; adults prefer deeper waters, while juveniles can be found further inshore and even inhabiting tide pools. It is brown, greenish or orange-red in colour, with a small head and a large mouth, and thick lips. It feeds on small invertebrates that live near the bottom: crustaceans, molluscs and parasites from other animals.

Curiosities

This species has been used as a successful alternative to pesticides in aquaculture systems, as it feeds on small parasitic invertebrates.