Stoutly built fish with broad body and large scales. Single, long dorsal fin that extends all of the way along the back and rounded tail fin. Colour ranges from brown/reddish to dark green, with light spots and a paler belly. Mouth is fairly small and lips are prominent. Teeth and jaws are powerful.
Distribution
Fairly common in rocky inshore coastal areas all around the UK, although highest concentration (and biggest specimens) found in the south and especially the south west of England.
Feeds On
All kinds of shellfish such as mussels, cockles, limpets and winkles. Also eats all manner of crustaceans and occasionally small fish.
- Scientific name: Labrus bergylta
- Size: Can grow to almost 3ft and 10lbs. UK shore caught typically 1-3lbs.
- UK minimum size: 9ins/23cm
- UK shore caught record: 9lb 1oz
- IUCN Status: LC (Least Concern)
