Como identificar Ballan Wrasse

Para identificar Ballan Wrasse (Labrus bergylta), observe estas características principais.

Características físicas

Formato do corpo

compressed

Coloração

Highly variable, ranging from green, brown, reddish-brown, to orange, often mottled or spotted with lighter or darker patches. Juveniles tend to be greener. Coloration can change rapidly depending on mood, habitat, and reproductive state. Males often develop more intense coloration during breeding.

Tipo de escama

cycloid

Posição da boca

terminal

Características distintivas

Thick, fleshy lips, Strong, conical teeth arranged in a single row, A single, long dorsal fin with numerous spines and soft rays, Large, prominent scales, Often exhibits a marbled or mottled pattern

Nadadeira dorsal

Single, long dorsal fin with 18-21 spines and 9-13 soft rays. The spiny portion is longer than the soft-rayed portion.

Nadadeira caudal

Rounded or slightly truncate caudal fin.

Nadadeira peitoral

Large and rounded pectoral fins.

Nadadeiras características

Pelvic fins are thoracic, located directly below the pectoral fins.

Dicas de identificação

1. 1

   Coloration

   Observe the highly variable mottled pattern of greens, browns, reds, and oranges. This is a key identifier, though it can be confusing due to its variability.

2. 2

   Lips and Teeth

   Note the thick, fleshy lips and the prominent, conical teeth. These are characteristic of wrasses and particularly pronounced in the Ballan Wrasse.

3. 3

   Dorsal Fin

   Count the spines and soft rays in the single, long dorsal fin (18-21 spines, 9-13 soft rays). The spiny part is noticeably longer.

4. 4

   Body Shape

   Its robust, compressed body and relatively large size (up to 60 cm) distinguish it from many other wrasse species in its range.

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