Ocellated wrasse

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The ocellated wrasse (Symphodus ocellatus) is a small fish found in the eastern Atlantic, the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, and the Sea of Azov. It lives among rocks and eelgrass from 1 to 30 meters deep, eats various marine invertebrates, grows up to about 12 cm, and usually lives 2 to 3 years. It is sometimes kept in aquariums.

There are three male forms: nesting, sneaker, and satellite. Nesting males are the largest and most brightly colored; sneaker males are the smallest and duller, often resembling females; satellite males are intermediate in size and color. Nesting males court females, build and guard nests, and provide parental care for the offspring. Sneakers do not court or care for offspring and try to fertilize eggs during mating with the nesting male. Satellite males assist in courting by chasing away sneakers, but they do not provide parental care.

The male form is decided early in development. Fast-growing males become satellites in their first breeding season and then nesting males in their second. Slower-growing males start as sneakers and later become satellites. The breeding season runs from May to June.

Conservation status: Least Concern.