Ornate Wrasse - Thalassoma pavo

The ornate wrasse is a colourful reef fish commonly found throughout the eastern Atlantic, including the Canary Islands. It is one of the most easily spotted fish while snorkelling due to its bright colours and active behaviour.

It belongs to the wrasse family, one of the largest families of marine fish, with hundreds of species worldwide.

An Article by Hannah Mackay, Local Scuba Instructor with The Voice Fuerteventura

What they look like

Ornate wrasse are small fish, typically growing to around 15 cm in length. They have a compressed body shape with a pointed snout, thick lips and prominent front teeth.

They are highly colourful, with strong differences between males, females and juveniles:

• Males display bright green, red and blue colouring with striking facial markings

• Females are more subdued, usually brownish-green with vertical markings

• Juveniles often show distinctive spots on the dorsal fin

Their colours make them one of the most recognisable reef fish in shallow waters.

Colourful ornate wrasse swimming over rocky reef in Fuerteventura waters

Where they are found in Fuerteventura

Ornate wrasse are commonly found in shallow rocky reefs and seagrass areas around Fuerteventura. They are frequently seen by snorkellers as well as divers, often in both sandy and rocky environments.

They are not typically found at great depths and prefer coastal reef zones.

Behaviour

These fish are active, curious and generally non-aggressive. They rely heavily on vision to find food and are often seen moving quickly between rocks and reef structures.

When threatened or resting, they can bury themselves in sand for protection.

They are also known to interact with other species and may sometimes be seen near larger fish or using reef structures for shelter.

Feeding

Ornate wrasse are carnivorous, feeding mainly on small crustaceans and invertebrates.

They play an important role in reef ecosystems by helping control small invertebrate populations.

Reproduction

This species is a sequential hermaphrodite, meaning individuals can change sex during their lifetime.

Most are born female, with dominant individuals later changing into males when needed. Males typically oversee groups of females during breeding periods.

They are oviparous, laying eggs that develop outside the body.

In Fuerteventura waters

Ornate wrasse are one of the most commonly seen reef fish around the Canary Islands and are a highlight for snorkellers exploring shallow coastal waters.

Their bright colours and active behaviour make them easy to spot even for beginners.

The ornate wrasse is part of the reef and coastal fish community found throughout Fuerteventura’s shallow reef systems.

For more marine species found in the region, see the Marine Life in Fuerteventura guide.