Ctentolabrus rupestris
Other Names
Salmon wrasse
Distinguishing features
The goldsinny has a fairly slender body with an angled head with a comparatively large mouth. The anal fin has 3 to 4 rays with spines at the anterior and 7 to 8 softer ones to the posterior. Its colour tends to be reddish or orangey brown with a dark spot towards the front of the dorsal fin and on the upper surface of the root of tail fin.
Size
The maximum size for the goldsinny is around 18cm.
British Record Fish List
UK Mini Record: 110gms
Habitat
The goldsinny wrasse can to be found around the Atlantic coast of Europe and throughout the Mediterranean waters. It is commonly found near to rocks and reefs with algae growths from around 10 metres to depths of 50 metres. It may also be found close inshore in rock pools and in beds of eel grass. It is known to act as a cleaner fish for other species.
Food
Like most wrasse the goldsinny feeds heavily on small crustaceans and other benthic invertebrates.
Bait
Small worm baits are effective for this wrasse although they are normally taken when targeting other species.
