Wrasse, Ballan Wrasse

Family Labridae

• Portuguese: Margota
• Spanish: Maragota, Durdo
• French: Vieille, Labre
• Dutch: Lipvis
• German: Lippfisch
• Polish: Kniazik
• Swedish: Berggylta
• Norwegian: Berggylt
• Danish: Berggylt
• Other: Gwrach (Welsh, meaning old woman); Ballach (Irish)

REMARKS Maximum length 60 cm. This species, like most other wrasses, has a very variable coloration, in which green or greeny brown is usually dominant. It is the most common wrasse in British inshore waters, and has a range from the Mediterranean to Norway. The scientific name is derived from the Norwegian and Danish names, which are in turn echoed in Orkney by the name bergle.