Ornate Wrasse
Thalassoma pavo
Ornate Wrasse is a brightly colored Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic reef wrasse with strong sexual color change. It forages constantly over rocky reefs and seagrass, picking small crustaceans, mollusks, and other benthic invertebrates from the bottom.
Identification points
- Distinctive male has blue-green body with orange/red bars and mottled patterning
- Dark spot on the upper rear of the gill cover
- Long continuous dorsal fin with a pointed head and thick lips
Habitat
Shallow rocky reefs, algae-covered boulder fields, and adjacent seagrass beds; often in clear, warm coastal water from nearshore zones to a few tens of meters deep.
Bait notes
Not a standard target species; small pieces of shrimp, crab, mussel, or worm on fine tackle can tempt it, along with tiny soft plastics and small jigs fished slowly near bottom.
Behavior
Active daytime feeder that cruises close to structure and nip-picks prey from rock and weed surfaces. Juveniles and females are usually more cryptic; males are territorial and conspicuously patrolled along reef edges.
Caution
Sharp spiny rays can prick handlers; handle carefully and release promptly if not keeping. In some areas wrasse may have local size, bag, or take restrictions, so check regulations before retaining one.
Fishing notes
Use ultralight gear, small hooks, and light leaders around rocky structure or seagrass edges. Present baits naturally and keep movements subtle; it is easily spooked in clear water and usually taken incidentally rather than as a primary game fish.