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Blackstripe coris (Coris nigrotaenia) — Labridae

Blackstripe coris

Coris nigrotaenia
Family: Labridae

The Blackstripe coris (Coris nigrotaenia) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 44 cm.

Length
43.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
2.0–20.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Iraq, Oman

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Description

The blackstripe coris is a wrasse (Labridae) from reef and rocky water of the western Indian Ocean. The species grows to about 20 cm and has an elongate body that changes colour with age, with a dark longitudinal stripe and green-blue tints in old males. As a day-active, bottom-oriented fish it picks small crustaceans, molluscs and sea urchins; at night it buries in the sand. Like many wrasses a female can change sex. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blackstripe coris?

The Blackstripe coris has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a horizontal stripes pattern.

Where does the Blackstripe coris live?

The Blackstripe coris lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Iraq, Oman

How big does the Blackstripe coris get?

The Blackstripe coris grows to a maximum of about 44 cm.

Is the Blackstripe coris dangerous to humans?

No, the Blackstripe coris is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Blackstripe coris (Coris nigrotaenia) — Labridae — 2
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Blackstripe coris (Coris nigrotaenia) — Labridae — 3
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Blackstripe coris (Coris nigrotaenia) — Labridae — 4
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Blackstripe coris (Coris nigrotaenia) — Labridae — 5
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Blackstripe coris sourced
Scientific name
Coris nigrotaenia
Family
Labridae
Other names
Blackbar coris sourced

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
43.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Green sourced
Pattern
Horizontal stripes sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
2.0 verified
Max depth (m)
20.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Iraq, Oman sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Protogynous (female first) sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Coris

More from the family Labridae

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