Pale green, green-bluish or green-yellowish, longitudinal rows of red spots, with upper part of head dark blue.

Peacock wrasse feeds on sea urchins, ophiuroids, bivalves, shrimps and crabs.

Spawning takes place in spring, when a seaweed nest is built and guarded by the male, with one or more females laying their adhesive eggs in it.

In recreational fishing, it is often caught on light rod and reel, hand line or small longline.

It is not very picky about bait and will gladly grab a small chunks of fish, prawns, paste and even bread.

Symphodus tinca is often underestimated regarding its taste and aroma - meat is soft, tender and very tasty.