Least Concern· population stable· assessed 2010

Ornate Wrasse

Thalassoma pavo

Sighting evidence at Baiae Underwater Archaeological Park, Pozzuoli / Baiae

Photo: arnolfodicambio · CC BY-NC

The ornate wrasse is among the most vividly coloured residents of Baiae, flashing turquoise and magenta as it patrols the mosaic floors in search of invertebrates. Males maintain loose territories around column bases and frequently allow close approach by divers moving slowly. Their presence is a reliable indicator of clean, well-oxygenated water above the volcanic seabed.

Evidence at this site

7 records within 25 km

Confidence: medium

Last confirmed Aug 2025

Seasonality

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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.

Ornate Wrasse

Evidence at this site

Seasonality

Also seen at other sites