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Symphodus melops, commonly known as the Corkwing Wrasse or Tordo nero, is a small to medium-sized wrasse species belonging to the family Labridae. It is characterized by its robust body, prominent lips, and a distinctive dark spot on the caudal peduncle. This species exhibits sexual dimorphism, particularly during the breeding season, with males displaying more vibrant coloration. It is a common inhabitant of rocky and algal-rich coastal waters in the northeastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea, playing an important ecological role in these ecosystems.
Caratteristiche fisiche
- Forma del corpo
- compressed
- Colorazione
- Highly variable. Males typically display a mosaic of green, brown, orange, and blue hues, often with iridescent spots and lines, especially during breeding. Females are generally duller, ranging from greenish-brown to reddish-brown, often mottled. Both sexes possess a prominent dark spot, often ocellated with white or blue, on the upper part of the caudal peduncle. A dark spot is also typically present behind the eye.
- Tipo di squame
- cycloid
- Posizione della bocca
- terminal
- Caratteristiche distintive
- Prominent dark spot on the caudal peduncle, often ringed with a lighter color., Dark spot behind the eye., Thick, protractile lips., Robust body with a relatively deep profile., Sexual dimorphism in coloration, especially during breeding.
- Pinna dorsale
- Single, long dorsal fin with 14-17 spines and 9-12 soft rays. The spiny portion is longer than the soft-rayed portion.
- Pinna caudale
- Rounded caudal fin.
- Pinna pettorale
- Large, fan-like pectoral fins.
- Pinne distintive
- Pelvic fins are thoracic, located beneath the pectoral fins.
Consigli per l'identificazione
Caudal Peduncle Spot
Look for the distinct dark spot, often ringed, on the upper part of the caudal peduncle (the narrow part of the body connecting to the tail fin). This is a key identifier for both sexes.
Post-orbital Spot
A dark spot or blotch typically present behind the eye is another reliable distinguishing feature.
Coloration (Males)
Breeding males are strikingly colored with vibrant greens, blues, oranges, and browns, often with intricate patterns. Females are more subdued.
Body Shape
Its relatively deep and compressed body, combined with thick lips, helps differentiate it from other wrasse species.
Habitat
- Tipo di acqua
- saltwater
- Profondità
- Typically found in shallow coastal waters from 1 to 30 meters, occasionally deeper to 50 meters.
- Ambiente
- Prefers rocky reefs, seagrass beds (Posidonia oceanica, Zostera marina), kelp forests, and areas with dense algal growth. It seeks shelter among rocks and vegetation.
- Areale geografico
- Northeastern Atlantic Ocean, from Norway south to Morocco, including the Azores, Madeira, and the Canary Islands. Also present throughout the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea.
Informazioni sull'acquario
- Livello di cura: intermediate
- Temperamento: semi-aggressive
- Dieta: carnivore
- Dimensione minima della vasca: 100 gallons
- Temperatura: 15-22°C (59-72°F)
- Livello di pH: 8.1-8.4
- Durezza: 8-12 dKH
- Compatibilità: Can be kept with other robust, non-aggressive temperate marine fish. Avoid keeping with very small or shy species, or multiple males in smaller tanks due to territoriality.
- Requisiti speciali: Requires a well-established marine aquarium with plenty of live rock for hiding and foraging. A sand bed is beneficial for natural behaviors. Good water quality and stable parameters are crucial. May attempt to jump, so a secure lid is recommended.
Informazioni in natura
- Stato di conservazione: least concern
- Stagionalità: Active year-round, with increased breeding activity in spring and early summer.
- Prezzo di mercato: Low
- Importanza commerciale: low
- Sapore: Mild, slightly sweet
- Consistenza: Flaky, white meat
- Metodi di cottura: Pan-fried, Baked, Grilled, Steamed
- Valore nutrizionale: Good source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Fatti chiave
Nest Builderbehavior
Male Corkwing Wrasses are renowned for building elaborate nests from algae, which they meticulously construct and guard. This behavior is crucial for successful reproduction.
Cleaner Fishbehavior
Juvenile and sometimes adult Corkwing Wrasses act as cleaner fish, removing parasites from other larger fish species, contributing to the health of the reef ecosystem.
Sex Changeevolution
Like many wrasses, Symphodus melops is a protogynous hermaphrodite, meaning individuals are born female and can later change sex to male, although this is less common than in some other wrasse species.
Tool Useamazing
There have been observations of Corkwing Wrasses using small stones to break open mollusc shells, demonstrating a rudimentary form of tool use, a rare behavior in fish.
Informazioni di sicurezza
Sicuro- Livello di sicurezza: safe
- Velenoso: No
- Commestibilità: edible
- Note sul maneggio: No specific handling precautions are required beyond standard fish handling practices to avoid injury to the fish or yourself from sharp fin rays. They are not venomous.
Specie simili
Goldsinny Wrasse
Ctenolabrus rupestris
The Goldsinny Wrasse is generally smaller, has a more slender body, and lacks the prominent dark spot on the caudal peduncle. It typically has a dark spot at the base of the dorsal fin and a smaller one on the upper caudal fin base, but not the large, distinct spot of S. melops.
Ballan Wrasse
Labrus bergylta
The Ballan Wrasse is much larger (up to 60 cm), has a more robust head, and lacks the distinct caudal peduncle spot. Its coloration is also highly variable but generally lacks the intricate patterns of S. melops.
Green Wrasse
Symphodus tinca
The Green Wrasse is typically larger and more elongated than S. melops. While it can have variable coloration, it lacks the distinct caudal peduncle spot and the post-orbital spot. S. tinca often has a series of faint vertical bars.
Classificazione scientifica
- Regno
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Classe
- Actinopterygii
- Ordine
- Perciformes
- Famiglia
- Labridae
- Genere
- Symphodus
- Specie
- Symphodus melops
Esplora Cuckoo Wrasse
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