Biodiversity & Conservation

Goldsinny - Ctenolabrus rupestris

Ctenolabrus rupestris

Image Keith Hiscock - Goldsinny wrasse. Image width ca XX cm.
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Distribution map

Ctenolabrus rupestris recorded (dark blue bullet) and expected (light blue bullet) distribution in Britain and Ireland (see below)

Why do the maps differ?

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Ctenolabrus rupestris is not listed under any importance categories.

Taxonomy icon Taxonomy Taxon English term
Phylum Chordata Sea squirts, fish, reptiles, birds and mammals
Class Actinopterygii Ray-finned fish, e.g. sturgeon, eels, fin fish, gobies, blennies, and seahorses
Authority Linnaeus 1758
Recent synonyms None
Map icon Recorded Distribution in Britain and Ireland Widely distributed throughout Britain and Ireland, although rare in the North Sea and eastern Channel.
Habitat information icon Habitat information Inhabits rocks or algae (particularly eelgrass) at depths between 1-50 m. Adults inhabit deeper waters, while young can be found further inshore and even inhabiting rock pools.
Text page icon Description The goldsinny wrasse Ctenolabrus rupestris is brown, greenish or orange-red in colour. It is easily distinguishable from other wrasse species by two dark patches, one on the dorsal fin and one just in front of the tail fin. The head is small and pointed, with a large mouth, two rows of small teeth and fleshy lips. Adults are usually 10-12 cm in length, but may reach 18 cm.
Identifying features
  • Up to 12 cm long.
  • Brown, greenish or orange-red in colour.
  • One dark spot on dorsal fin, another in front of the tail fin.
  • Small pointed head with large mouth.
Additional information icon Additional information Prey species of the goldsinny include benthic crustacea, molluscs and also parasites from other fish species. It has also been a successful alternative to pesticides, in removing parasitic lice from commercially farmed salmon.

This review can be cited as follows:

Kate Reeds 2004. Ctenolabrus rupestris. Goldsinny. Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Sub-programme [on-line]. Plymouth: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. [cited 25/05/2013]. Available from: <http://www.marlin.ac.uk/speciesinformation.php?speciesID=3101>