axillary wrasse

Together with the ocellated wrasse, it is one of the most colorful fish in the Mediterranean. The body is elongated, similar to the ocellated wrasse. The color can vary depending on the substrate and stress levels.

It is easily distinguished by its color pattern and yellow eye. It differs from the ocellated wrasse by the absence of a greenish spot near the operculum. The upper flank is beige, while the lower part is lighter. Some individuals take on an orange-yellow hue.

Like most wrasses, juveniles inhabit shallow waters in seagrass beds and rocky areas, often in the company of similar species.

Adults are encountered in pairs in seagrass beds. These fish are quite shy and more difficult to observe compared to the peacock wrasse or the rainbow wrasse.

Males are territorial during the breeding season. Dominant females and males may live in scattered groups. Their diet typically includes mollusks, gastropods, bivalves, tube worms, chitons, sea urchins, and bryozoans.

Reproduction takes place from spring to early summer. The dominant male prepares an algae nest in the shape of a cup.

Once the nest is constructed, he attracts one or more females through courtship displays. After spawning, the male fertilizes the eggs and starts to protect his offspring. The female does not stay after spawning and shows no concern for the eggs.

During this period, males are particularly aggressive towards other males of the same species. Intimidation displays and fights are common. It is possible that "satellite males", pretending to be females, participate in fertilization by releasing quick ejaculations over the nest, but this behavior needs further confirmation.