Ocellated Wrasse

The ocellated wrasse (Symphodus ocellatus) is a species of wrasse native to the eastern Atlantic Ocean and throughout the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, and the Sea of Azov. It inhabits areas with rocks and eelgrass at depths from 1 to 30 m (3.3 to 98.4 ft). It feeds on various marine invertebrates. This species can reach 12 cm (4.7 in) in standard length. It can also be found in the aquarium trade.

These fish live about two to three years. There are three distinct male forms. There are nesting males, sneaker males, and satellite males. The nesting males are the largest of the three and the most brightly colored. The sneaker males are the smallest of the three types and the most dull in color, and actually closely resemble the female phenotype. Satellite males are an intermediate in size and color between the large nesting male and smaller sneaker male.