Norwegian record Ballan wrasse: 2.6 kg

About Ballan wrasse

The ballan wrasse (Labrus bergylta) is the largest wrasse in Norwegian waters. It is deep-bodied and heavy, with a big head, thick fleshy lips and a long dorsal fin with many spines at the front. Colour is very variable, from plain green or brown to reddish with pale spots. The species lives in the north-east Atlantic from Morocco to Norway. In Norway it occurs from the Skagerrak north to Trøndelag, and it is most common in the south and west. It stays close to shore over rocky ground, along cliffs, reefs and kelp beds, from the surface to about 50 m. It crushes mussels, snails, crabs and other crustaceans. Spawning is in summer, and the male guards the eggs in a nest. It can grow to around 60 cm and several kilos. Anglers catch it on bait such as prawns, crab or mussels fished tight to rocky bottom. Norwegian Red List 2021: Least Concern (LC).

Sources: Artsdatabanken, Store norske leksikon, Wikipedia

• Habitat: Saltvann
• Best month: Juli
• Red list status: LC (2021)

See the species guide

Biggest Ballan wrasse in FishComp

1.65 kg (63 % of the record) by Frode Lothe. See the catch

How to register a Norwegian record

1. Norwegian sport-fishing records are registered with Villmarksliv, not with FishComp. Read the rules before you do anything else with the fish.
2. Records are based on weight and approved by a jury. You give the weight and length, where it was caught, the gear you used and any witnesses.
3. Keep your photos and notes from the catch. Logging it in FishComp does not register a record.