Sideburn Wrasse

Pteragogus trispilus

The Sideburn wrasse is a small reef-associated fish found in the subtropical waters of the Western Indian Ocean, including the Red Sea's Gulf of Aqaba and Gulf of Suez. It has also migrated to the eastern Mediterranean Sea. This species can be identified by its olivaceous body color with white-dotted scale edges and distinctive black spots on its opercle. Males have a black spot on the first three spinous membranes of the dorsal fin, while females may display a whitish stripe running along the body. The Sideburn wrasse inhabits depths ranging from 9 to 35 meters, often found in areas with sandy bottoms, coral patches, and rocks. Its cryptic nature makes it difficult to spot, as it blends well with its surroundings. This fish is typically small, reaching a maximum length of 7.9 cm, and has a compressed body shape with a rounded caudal fin. In terms of diet, the Sideburn wrasse feeds on small invertebrates, including mollusks and crustaceans. It is known to form distinct pairs during breeding, which is characteristic of its reproductive behavior. The conservation status of this species has not been evaluated, and it poses no threat to humans.