Labrus merula Linnaeus, 1758

Maximum Length

Labrus merula reaches a maximum total length of 45 cm (18 in).

Body & Head Morphology

Its body is moderately elongated, and it has a broad head that is shorter than or equal to its body depth, marked with light blue spots.

Dentition

This species has strong, canine-like teeth that become rounded in older individuals.

Juvenile Coloration

Young Labrus merula are green or brownish with light spots, and have a paler, yellow-grey belly. Some individuals have a blue-white longitudinal stripe along their sides.

Adult Coloration

Older specimens are dark blue, and sometimes dark green or brownish. The soft portions of the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins are edged with a light blue stripe.

Social Behavior

Smaller individuals form small, loose schools, while larger older individuals live solitarily.

Diet

It feeds on sea urchins, ophiuroids, mollusks, crabs, and worms.

Sexual Maturity

Individuals reach maturity after two years, at lengths between 15 cm (5.9 in) and 20 cm (7.9 in).

Length at Age 7

At 7 years old, males measure around 31.5 cm (12.4 in) and females measure around 30 cm (12 in).

Maximum Lifespan

The maximum recorded lifespan for this species is around 16 to 17 years.

Spawning Period

In the western Mediterranean Sea, this species spawns from February to May.

Egg Guarding

Males protect demersal eggs that are laid among rocks and seagrasses.

Human Uses

Labrus merula is an important food fish for local human populations, and is also sold in the aquarium trade.

Overall Distribution

This species, commonly called the brown wrasse, is distributed in the Eastern Atlantic from Portugal to Morocco, including the Azores, and across almost the entire Mediterranean Sea. It is absent from the eastern Levantine region and the Black Sea.

Habitat & Depth Range

It inhabits reefs near rocks, areas within seaweed growth, and seagrass beds, found from shallow waters down to 50 m (160 ft) depth.

Threats & Population Status

The main threat to Labrus merula is habitat degradation, particularly the loss of Posidonia seagrass beds, but the global population has not shown any serious signs of decline.