Fish Active during the day

Corkwing Wrasse

Symphodus melops

iNaturalist Wikipedia

A jewel of the Atlantic coast, the Corkwing Wrasse is famous for its intricate seaweed nests and brilliant, jewel-toned breeding colors.

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0 Habitats

Quick Identification

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Size

Typically 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches) in length, with a maximum reach of 25 cm (10 inches). Weight is generally under 300g (10.5 oz).

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Colors

Highly variable; females and juveniles are usually mottled brown or greenish. Breeding males are vibrant with green, blue, and red patterns. Both sexes feature a distinct black spot on the tail base and a dark comma-shaped mark behind the eye.

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Key Features

Dark, comma-shaped spot behind the eye
Black spot on the base of the tail fin
Small mouth with thick, fleshy lips
Serrated edge on the preoperculum (cheek bone)

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active during the day

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Peak hours 9 AM - 4 PM

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Season April-August (Breeding season provides the most color and activity)

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Diet A carnivorous forager that feeds primarily on small crustaceans like amphipods and isopods, as well as small mollusks and various marine worms. They use their strong teeth to pick prey from the algae-covered rocks.

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Habitat Coastal rocky reefs, kelp forests, and seagrass (eelgrass) beds, typically in shallow waters up to 30 meters deep.

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Where Does the Corkwing Wrasse Live?

Native to the temperate coastal waters of the eastern Atlantic Ocean, the Corkwing Wrasse is a staple of European and North African coastlines. Its range extends from the northern fjords of Norway and the British Isles down to the shores of Morocco and the Azores. It is also widely distributed across the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas, thriving in shallow, sheltered environments where rock meets vegetation.

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10 Countries

2.2M km² Range

Least Concern Conservation

GB United Kingdom NO Norway FR France ES Spain PT Portugal Ireland IT Italy Greece Morocco Turkey

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iNaturalist / Verified observation data

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Behavior

The Corkwing Wrasse is a highly industrious and territorial fish known for its complex social structures. Unlike many other wrasse species that change sex, Corkwing Wrasse have fixed sexes, including 'sneaker males' that mimic females to gain access to nesting sites. They are most active during the day, spending their time navigating through kelp forests and rocky crevices in search of food.

During the breeding season, 'territorial' males become master builders, meticulously constructing nests out of various types of seaweed in rock crevices. They are exceptionally protective of these nests, often seen hovering nearby to ward off intruders. They also play a vital role in the marine ecosystem as 'cleaner fish,' occasionally nibbling parasites off larger fish, a trait that has led to their use in sustainable salmon farming to control sea lice.

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Camera Tips

To capture the vibrant life of a Corkwing Wrasse, placement is everything. Aim your camera at a rocky crevice or the edge of a kelp forest in shallow water (1-3 meters). If you are using a waterproof action camera on a stationary mount, look for areas with high algal diversity, as these are prime spots for male nest-building during the spring and summer.

Lighting is your biggest challenge underwater. Try to position the camera so the sun is behind it or directly overhead to illuminate the fish's iridescent scales. If the water is murky, move the camera closer to a 'cleaning station'—a specific rock or patch where wrasse are known to congregate. Since they are curious, they will often approach a stationary camera to inspect their reflection in the lens.

For those with coastal backyards or access to tide pools, a submerged camera near a crushed mussel or limpet can act as a powerful lure. The scent will quickly draw in local wrasse. Set your camera to a high frame rate (at least 60fps) because these fish move with quick, jerky pectoral fin movements that can appear blurred on slower settings. Avoid using artificial lights at night, as these fish 'sleep' in rock cracks and won't be active.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Corkwing Wrasse.

Ballan Wrasse

Much larger (up to 60cm) and lacks the specific dark spots behind the eye and on the tail.

Goldsinny Wrasse

Features a prominent black spot on the top of the tail base and another on the front of the dorsal fin.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Corkwing Wrasse are strictly diurnal, meaning they are active during daylight hours. They are most visible when the sun is high, providing clear visibility in the kelp forests and rocky reefs where they forage and tend to their nests.

The best way to attract them is by placing your camera near rocky outcrops or kelp beds. Using a natural lure like a crushed mussel or crab can quickly draw them into the frame, as they are opportunistic feeders with a keen sense of smell.

Their diet consists mainly of small invertebrates found on rocks and seaweed, including tiny crustaceans (like shrimp and scuds), small snails, and marine worms. They also act as cleaners, eating parasites off the skin of other fish.

Yes, they are very common in shallow coastal waters and can often be found around man-made structures like pier pilings, breakwaters, and harbor walls, making them accessible to coastal residents.

The easiest way is to look for the black 'comma' mark behind the eye and the black spot on the tail base; these are present in Corkwing Wrasse but absent in Ballan Wrasse. Additionally, Corkwing Wrasse are much smaller, rarely exceeding 25cm.

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