scubaseason

Ornate wrasse

Thalassoma pavo

Sighting evidence at Punta Secca, Tremiti Islands

A thermophilic species expanding its range northward in the Adriatic as water temperatures rise, Thalassoma pavo is now a regular sight in Tremiti — a shift from its historical stronghold in the southern Mediterranean. Terminal males are among the most vivid fish in European waters, with a green and blue body and distinctive pink and green head stripes. Their abundance at Punta Secca is a live indicator of Mediterranean warming.

Evidence at this site

No confirmed records on file at this site

Ornate 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