Species guide

Deep-bodied

Ballan wrasse

Labrus bergylta

Ballan wrasse (Labrus bergylta), a reference photograph taken in Portugal

Photograph by Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 4.0

How to spot it

Deep, robust body, thick lips and large scales; colour varies from green and brown to orange

Found: Rocky shores, reefs and kelp-rich ground

Handling & rules

Wrasse are easily damaged by rough handling. Use wet hands, support the fish and follow current local rules.

Caught one? Log it