The axillary wrasse (Symphodus mediterraneus) is a species of wrasse native to the eastern Atlantic Ocean from the Azores and Madeira to the coasts of Portugal to Morocco and then along the coastal waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

This species can be found in eelgrass beds at depths from 1 to 50 m (3.3 to 164.0 ft).

[2] Adults are found mainly in eel-grass beds.

Feed mainly on mollusks, gastropods, bivalves, tubicolous worms, chitons, sea urchins and bryozoans.

[3] Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding