How to catch Peacock wrasse
Symphodus tinca (Linnaeus, 1758)
About Peacock wrasse fishing
The east atlantic peacock wrasse is a striking marine fish belonging to the family labridae, easily recognised by its robust fusiform body and vibrant coloration. Females and juveniles generally display muted grey-green or brownish tones, whereas adult males develop vivid green or bluish hues adorned with distinct rows of red spots during the breeding season. Growing up to a maximum length of forty-four centimetres with a common length around twenty-five centimetres, this species inhabits shallow coastal waters ranging from one to fifty metres deep. It is closely associated with rocky reefs, dense eelgrass beds, and occasional brackish coastal lagoons across the Mediterranean and parts of the eastern Atlantic. As an active benthic hunter, it feeds primarily on sea urchins, brittlestars, crabs, shrimp, and bivalves. During the spring spawning season, males construct and meticulously guard rudimentary nests made of seaweed to receive adhesive eggs deposited by one or more females.
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Difficulty
Medium
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Average size
25 cm SL
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Market value
Very high
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Habitat
Brackish, Saltwater
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Season
Spring, Summer, Autumn
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Also known as
East Atlantic peacock wrasse, Rainbow wrasse
Operculum present
Clear bony operculum flap covering the gills identifies standard wrasse anatomy.
Blue orange stripes
Distinctive wavy blue and orange stripes on the head are diagnostic.
Caudal peduncle spot
A prominent dark spot on the caudal peduncle identifies this species.
Peacock wrasse fishing facts
Characteristics
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Typical size
25 cm SL (max 44 cm SL ) -
Typical weight
0.2 kg (max 0.9 kg ) -
Preferred temperature
16.3–21.4 °C -
Depth
1–50 m -
Longevity
15 years -
Body shape
Fusiform / Normal -
Commercial?
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Vulnerability score
39.8
Best hours
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Low
Dawn
First light
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Peak
Morning
After sunrise
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Peak
Midday
High sun
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Active
Afternoon
Late day
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Low
Dusk
Last light
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Low
Night
After dark
When to fish for Peacock wrasse
How to catch Peacock wrasse
Tips for catching Peacock wrasse
Targeting this coastal wrasse requires light tackle presented close to heavy structure where the fish shelter among rocks and eelgrass beds. Because these fish feed primarily on benthic invertebrates such as crabs, shrimp, and small sea urchins, presentations must be kept hard on the seabed or suspended just above the weed line. Anglers achieve consistent results using simple ledger rigs or sensitive float setups equipped with small hooks. Natural baits including small pieces of prawn, ragworm, or small strips of fish flesh work exceptionally well, as the species is not particularly cautious when feeding. Quiet presentation around shallow rocky outcrops during calm daylight conditions yields the best catch rates, especially through the warmer spring and summer months when the fish are most active.
Other names for Peacock wrasse
Local and alternate names anglers use for Peacock wrasse.
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Rainbow wrasse
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Peacock wrasse
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East Atlantic peacock wrasse
Where Peacock wrasse spends the year — Non-migratory
Stays in the same waters year-round. Look for it on the same grounds rather than timing a run.
1 Eggs
Same water all year
Laid on the home grounds.
2 Juveniles
Same water all year
Grow up close by.
3 Adults
Same water all year
Keep to a small home range.
4 Spawners
Same water all year
Spawn on the same grounds, with only short moves.
Hover or tap a number to read each stage.
Diet and behavior of Peacock wrasse
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Diet
Carnivore -
Feeds by
Hunts animals -
Hunts
Morning · Midday -
Feeds over
Intertidal · Seagrass
Prey and predators of Peacock wrasse
Prey is what Peacock wrasse eats. Predators are the animals that eat it.
That is how it feeds, and how it is hunted.
Prey
What it eats
Other prey
Predators
What hunts it
Fish
Where Peacock wrasse lives
Tied to reefs and rocky structure in shallow coastal water.
1–50 m
Estuary
Where this species lives
Peacock wrasse photos for identification
Compare these photos with the catalog plate to identify the species.