black sea red data book - Department of Biology

Symphodus ocellatus (Forsskal, 1775)
Synonyms: Labrus reticulatus Lacepede, 1802; Lutjanus ocellatus Risso, 1810;
Crenilabrus olovaceus Risso, 1826; Crenilabrus ocellatus Kessler, 1859.
Common names: Russ: Rulen; Turk: Circir.
Order PERCIFORMES
Family LABRIDAE
Taxonomic description. D XIII-XV 8-11; A HI 8-11; P 11-13. Scales in lateral
series 30-34. Gill-rakers 14-18. Vertebrae 30-32 (Stojanov etal, 1963; Svetovidov,
1964). Head length equal to or shorter than body depth. Snout shorter than post-
orbital. Colour variable. A large spot, of varying colour on operculum, usually
outlined in red. Size up to 12cm.
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: VU (Bulgarian Coast)
Distribution. Mediterranean, Adriatic, Black Sea, Sea of Azov. In Bulgaria rare, on
the whole coast.
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Inshore, near rocks; senstive to
toxic chemicals.
Biology. Reproduction in May-July. Eggs on stones or gravel. Sexually mature at 1-
2 years. Food: worms, amphipods, molluscs (Quingard & Pras, 1986).
358