Ballan Wrasse

Photo: Stian Løvås · © all rights reserved

Ballan wrasse, the largest wrasse species in European waters reaching 60 cm, are common on the Agdenes reef from May through October, browsing on barnacles, mussels, and small crustaceans with their powerful jaws. Their colouring ranges from deep brown-green to a vivid orange-spotted form, and dominant males patrol large rocky territories. The Agdenes site is at the northern edge of their range, making individual sightings ecologically notable.