Fin's Fish Guide
The African clown wrasse (Coris gaimard) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 40 cm.
Description
The yellowtail coris is a colourful wrasse of the family Labridae from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 40 cm and changes colour strongly during life: juveniles are bright orange with white, black-edged saddle spots, while adults become green-blue with a yellow tail and blue spots. It lives solitarily on mixed bottoms of coral, sand and rubble on exposed reef flats. As a predator it crushes hard-shelled prey such as molluscs, crustaceans and sea urchins with powerful jaws; when threatened it dives into the sand. Like many wrasses it changes sex during life, from female to male. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the African clown wrasse?
The African clown wrasse has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a spots pattern. Strong colour change from juvenile (orange with saddle blotches) to adult; dives into the sand when in danger.
Where does the African clown wrasse live?
The African clown wrasse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific; mixed bottoms of coral, sand and rubble on reef flats.
How big does the African clown wrasse get?
The African clown wrasse grows to a maximum of about 40 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the African clown wrasse dangerous to humans?
The African clown wrasse is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the African clown wrasse edible?
The African clown wrasse is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Coris
More from the family Labridae
Want the complete picture on the African clown wrasse?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the African clown wrasse is one of 12,519 species in the app.