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

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.