Symphodus cinereus (Bonnaterre 1788)

Oviparous (Ref. 205). One or two females spawn in the nest built and guarded by a male (Ref. 4742).

Found in littoral areas, in eel-grass beds, sometimes on soft bottoms (1-20 m), often in lagoons and estuaries with plenty of vegetation and detritus (Ref. 4742). Often in aggregation (Ref. 4742). Feed on shrimps, amphipods, isopods, small gastropods and bivalves (Ref. 4742). Females spawn in a nest built and guarded by the male (Ref. 4742). Males grow faster than females (Ref. 4742). Oviparous (Ref. 205).

fisheries: subsistence fisheries; gamefish: yes; aquarium: commercial

The grey wrasse (Symphodus cinereus) is a species of wrasse native to the eastern Atlantic Ocean and along the coasts of the Mediterranean Sea to the Black Sea. It inhabits coastal waters, preferring beds of eelgrass at depths from 1 to 20 m (3.3 to 65.6 ft). It can reach 16 cm (6.3 in) in total length, though most do not exceed 8 cm (3.1 in). It is important to local peoples as a food fish and is popular as a game fish. It can also be found in the aquarium trade.