Cuckoo Wrasse
The cuckoo wrasse is a native species and the most vividly coloured fish in UK seas — males flash electric blue and orange, females run rose-pink with dark back spots.
Deepest-dwelling of the UK wrasses, they're mainly a boat angler's fish over rocky ground, though deep shore marks in the South West, Wales and western Scotland do produce them. Small but scrappy, they're a genuine prize on light tackle.
Scientific Name: Labrus mixtus
- Males are unmistakable: brilliant blue head and back with orange-gold flanks and fins. Females and juveniles are rose-pink to orange-red with three black-and-white blotches along the back near the dorsal fin.
- Slim, elongate body with a long pointed head and a single dorsal fin of uniform height — noticeably sleeker than the stocky ballan wrasse.
- Large mouth with thick, multi-folded lips built for picking crustaceans off rock. Males grow to around 35 cm, females to 30 cm.
- Typical rod-caught fish weigh around 225–250 g; a specimen pushing 550 g is a big one, with the rod-caught maximum around 1.3 kg.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- A native species found around most of the British and Irish coastline, from just below the surface down to 200 m, though most fish sit between 20 and 80 m over hard ground.
- Favours rocky reef, boulder fields and kelp-covered ledges — anywhere with structural complexity and good water clarity. Rarely found over sand or mud.
- Shore-caught fish are possible but uncommon; the best shore chances come from deep rock marks, tall pier walls and breakwaters in the South West, Wales and Scotland's west coast and islands.
- Boat anglers fishing deeper offshore reefs and wrecks in 30–80 m encounter them most reliably across their range.
Key Locations
- South West England — Cornwall and Devon rock marks and offshore reefs produce cuckoo wrasse reliably, and the species takes its name from Cornish fishing tradition.
- Wales — deep rock marks along the Welsh coastline, particularly in the west, hold good numbers accessible from both shore and boat.
- Scotland's west coast and islands — clear Atlantic water and extensive rocky reef make this one of the better areas for boat anglers targeting them over deeper ground.
- Ireland's west and south coasts — fish are present around rocky headlands and offshore reefs, rarely breaking 2 lb but encountered regularly by boat anglers.
Specific Spots
- The face of kelp-covered walls and boulder fields — cuckoo wrasse patrol these edges picking off crustaceans and small fish sheltering in the weed.
- Ledges and gullies on offshore reefs between 20 and 80 m, where broken ground concentrates food and gives the fish cover.
- Deep pier and breakwater pilings that drop straight into 5–30 m of water, particularly on the flood tide when fish move in tight to structure.
- Neap tides in calm, clear conditions fish best — settled weather improves visibility over the reef and brings fish up into the kelp canopy.
Cuckoo Wrasse FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Cuckoo Wrasse?
Ragworm is the standout bait, fished on a float set just above the kelp canopy or on a light paternoster. Live or fresh prawn and hermit crab are close behind, reflecting the fish's natural diet. Small strips of mackerel, squid or sandeel work when natural crustacean baits aren't available.
When is the best time to fish for Cuckoo Wrasse?
Late spring through early autumn (May–October) produces the best fishing, when water temperatures climb into the 10–18°C range and fish are most active inshore. Summer months (June–August) are peak time from shore marks; boat anglers can find them over deeper reefs for a longer season either side of this window.
How do you catch Cuckoo Wrasse?
Most UK cuckoo wrasse are caught by boat anglers drifting or anchoring over rocky reefs and wrecks in 20–80 m, fishing small natural baits on light paternoster rigs.
What do Cuckoo Wrasse eat?
Crustaceans are the core of their diet, crabs, prawns, hermit crabs and small shellfish like mussels and limpets, which their powerful lips and teeth are built to crush. Ragworm, live prawn and hermit crab are the go-to natural baits for this reason. Small fish and molluscs round out the menu.
Where do Cuckoo Wrasse live?
A native species found around most of the British and Irish coastline, from just below the surface down to 200 m, though most fish sit between 20 and 80 m over hard ground. Favours rocky reef, boulder fields and kelp-covered ledges, anywhere with structural complexity and good water clarity.
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