The East Atlantic peacock wrasse (Symphodus tinca) is a vibrantly colored marine fish found along the rocky coastal waters of the eastern Atlantic Ocean, including the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea. Recognized for its striking green and blue hues and intricate patterns, this species inhabits seagrass beds and rocky substrates, where it feeds on small invertebrates. The peacock wrasse is not a major target for large-scale commercial fisheries but is commonly caught by small-scale and artisanal fishers, as well as recreational anglers. The top countries involved in harvesting this species include Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Croatia, where it is valued for local consumption and sometimes featured in traditional Mediterranean cuisine. In these nations, the fishing industry for the peacock wrasse is typically characterized by low-impact, sustainable practices, often using handlines, traps, or small nets, reflecting the fish’s importance to local coastal economies rather than to international markets.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.