Corkwing Wrasse

Photo: Beatrice McWilliams · CC BY

Brilliantly coloured males establish nest sites among algae and actively court females in late spring and summer, defending territories with exaggerated display behaviours. Lough Hyne's calm water makes observing this intricate behaviour straightforward without disturbing the fish. Juveniles cluster around kelp holdfasts where they pick parasites from other species.