Corkwing Wrasse
Crenilabrus melops
Habitat: Shallow rocky sea bed, among algae and kelp forest
Depth: 1-30m
Food: Crustaceans, worms, molluscs and hydroids
Length: Up to 30cm
Lifespan: 9 years
Conservation Status: Least Concern (LC) Evaluated 2009
Like all wrasse, the corkwing has thick lips and strong teeth for tackling the shelled animals on its menu. Corkwing wrasse are known to also eat skin parasites from other fish. During breeding time the male corkwing builds a nest from small stones which he binds together with seaweed and mucus before enticing a female in to lay her eggs.