Description
All Ballan wrasses are born as female and after spawning some will change into males. Females reach maturity after 6 years. The feed on small crustaceans that are cracked with their teeth before being eaten. Juveniles live in the shallow waters between the algae where they are well camouflaged by their green colouration.

Size
Maximum length up to 550 mm.

Colour
Adults can change their colour from greenish brown to reddish brown with brighter patches on the ventral side and fins. The scales have a darker margin.

Habitat
Sub tidal hard substrata, covered by algae, down to a depth of 25 metres.

Distribution
North Eastern Atlantic from Norway to Marocco. Not in the Mediterranean.