The Portuguese budião
       or wrasse
is a curious thick-lipped fish
       and an Atlantic loner –
all are born female
       but over the years
many mutate to male
       at which point they build
circular nests of algae
       leaving open slits
where the female
       lays its eggs

The English name comes
       from the Cornish gwragh
a mouthful meaning old woman or hag
       but lightly grilled
its mild white flesh
       is a culinary delight

John Lyons