Kefi Divers

Rainbow Wrasse

One of the most colourful fish in the Mediterranean, the rainbow wrasse is a small, energetic cleaner fish that zips around rocky reefs in vivid shades of green, blue, and orange. They are reliable companions on almost every Cretan dive.

Habitat: Rocky reefs, seagrass beds, shallow coastal waters

Best season: Year-round

In Crete

The Mediterranean rainbow wrasse is abundant around Crete's rocky coast and Posidonia seagrass meadows. Their bright colours and busy behaviour make them a favourite subject for underwater photographers. They are especially numerous in the protected shallows of Ombros Gialos and Koutalas.

Behaviour

Rainbow wrasse are active cleaners, picking parasites and dead skin from larger fish. They are fast swimmers and fiercely territorial, darting in and out of crevices to defend their patch. Their colouration varies with age, sex, and mood, adding to their rainbow-like appearance.

Diving tips

Watch for them flitting around rocky outcrops and cleaning stations. They are bold enough to approach divers, but their rapid movements make them tricky to photograph. Use a fast shutter speed and stay calm. They are a great indicator of a healthy reef.