Dive sites7
Marine life profile
Ornate Wrasse
Recorded at 7 dive sitesWhere divers encounter it
Explore Ornate Wrasse around the world
It follows a daily rhythm of feeding, sheltering and interacting with rivals, partners or a larger school.
Countries3
Animal groupReef Fish
Safety profileGenerally Harmless
Meet the species
What to look for
How to Recognize It
Use body shape, fin outline, color pattern and swimming style to separate it from the surrounding reef community.
How It Behaves
It follows a daily rhythm of feeding, sheltering and interacting with rivals, partners or a larger school.
Special Ability
Precise fins and a body shaped for its niche let it turn, hover or accelerate exactly where food and shelter demand.
Dive responsibly
Share the water well
How to Approach
Move slowly at the same depth, avoid swimming directly at it and let the fish resume its normal behavior.
Safety
Usually safe to observe at a respectful distance. Never feed, corner or touch a fish, especially near nests or cleaning stations.
Worth knowing
The detail you remember
Interesting Facts
Ornate Wrasse is closely adapted to its habitat, and patient observation reveals details that a quick swim-by misses.
Where to Find
Look around coral structure, rocky reef, wrecks and current lines where shelter and food meet.
Known countries
PortugalSpainCyprus
Sightings map
Ornate Wrasse locations
Plan a dive
Dive sites with reported encounters
PORTO CAPELAS
Portugal
This dive site is starting from the coast with alternatives for different levels of experience. Background with walls, rocks and sand. Possibility of strong waves in the entrance area
Like all Canary cliffs, the great Costa Teguise wall has the ability to attract and gather life. A great variety of crevices are found over its almost two mile breadth.
Discóbolo de Jablillo
Spain
Easy dive out of Jablillo Bay accessing from the coast. It is a perfect dive for all levels where the landscape and sea life is dominated by ‘blanquizal– rocks and artificial reef.
Punta las Cañas
Spain
Punta las Cañas, near the integral reserve (place of maximum protection), is an easy dive, although sometimes we can find some current, almost always heading east.
SABRINA
Portugal
This dive site is ancient underwater volcano that came to the surface when it erupted in 1811. Currently a pinnacle 22m deep allows large pelagics to be observed passing through.
CABEÇOS ILHÉU MOSTEIROS
Portugal
Located on the western part of Ilhéu of Mosteiros, it is characterized by passing marine life and larger species. Possibility of deep dives and strong currents.
Timi beach
Cyprus
A beautiful dive site for beginners, shallow and calm and a great place for your 1st underwater experience.