A new maximum age observed within the family Labridae, ballan wrasse Labrus bergylta

Abstract

Ballan wrasse Labrus bergylta is the largest species of wrasse inhabiting European waters and one of the longest-living species within the family Labridae. A large specimen was caught off the coast of Skjerjehamn, western Norway (total length = 410 mm; weight = 1274 g). The age of the specimen was determined to be 34 years old based on the analysis of its opercula bones. This specimen establishes a new maximum age for ballan wrasse, 5 years older than the previously observed maximum age.