The green wrasse grows to about 35 cm (14 in) and is a plump fish with a moderately large head.

[3] The green wrasse is native to the eastern Atlantic Ocean between Portugal and Morocco, and most of the Mediterranean Sea, although it seems to be absent from the waters of Syria, Lebanon and Israel.

Its typical habitat is in the vicinity of rocky reefs, especially those well-covered with seaweed, and seagrass meadows.

A breeding pair of fish will prepare a dish-shaped nest among vegetation, and the adhesive eggs laid by the female are guarded and cared for by the male.

It is caught for food, including spearfishing for sport, and the total population is in decline, especially in the western Mediterranean, with fishing being a threat in all parts of its range.