The male Cuckoo Wrasse, Labrus mixtus, is probably Britain's most colourful fish although the female is a light brown or reddish colour colour - see the next picture. They are very inquisitive and will follow a diver for ages, peer in his mask and even chase and bite the exhaled bubbles. Cuckoo Wrasse are born female and only in later life do a some change into males. They are territorial and the male makes a nest and attracts a female by means of a courtship display. They are quite long-lived and can reach a length of 35cms but are of no commercial value. More common on western and southern shores.

The male Cuckoo Wrasse, Labrus mixtus, is probably Britain's most colourful fish although the female is a light brown or reddish colour colour - see the next picture. They are very inquisitive and will follow a diver for ages, peer in his mask and even chase and bite the exhaled bubbles. Cuckoo Wrasse are born female and only in later life do a some change into males. They are territorial and the male makes a nest and attracts a female by means of a courtship display. They are quite long-lived and can reach a length of 35cms but are of no commercial value. More common on western and southern shores.