Thalassoma pavo (Linnaeus, 1758)
Ornate wrasse
Thalassoma pavo
photo by Patzner, R.

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Corinae
Max. size:  25 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 150 m
Distribution:  Eastern Atlantic: Portugal to south of Cape Lopez, Gabon and including the islands of Azores, Madeira, Canary, São Tomé and Annobon. Also in the Mediterranean.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Inhabits coastal waters near rocks and eel-grass beds. Usually solitary, sometimes in small groups. Feeds on small mollusks and crustaceans (Ref. 4742). Protogynous hermaphrodite, with distinct sexual dichromatism (Ref. 5292). Eggs are pelagic (Ref. 4742).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 July 2008 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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