scubaseason

Ballan Wrasse

Labrus bergylta

Sighting evidence at SS Breda Wreck, Oban

Ballan wrasse are the most commonly encountered large fish on the Breda, their mottled green-brown colouration providing imperfect camouflage against the encrusted metalwork. They are curious fish that circle divers repeatedly and are known to follow bubbles upward toward the surface in apparent play. Wrasse are protogynous hermaphrodites — all begin as females and dominant individuals transition to male — and the large adults on the Breda are almost certainly males.

Evidence at this site

No confirmed records on file at this site

Ballan Wrasse is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.

How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.

Also seen at other sites