Fin's Fish Guide
The Queen coris (Coris formosa) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 60 cm.
Description
The queen coris is a large wrasse from the western Indian Ocean, from the southern Red Sea to Natal and east to Sri Lanka. The species grows to about 60 cm. Juveniles are orange with large, black-edged white spots; large males become reddish to lavender with blue-green spots on the tail. With strong jaws it crushes hard-shelled prey: crustaceans, molluscs and sea urchins. Like other wrasses it is a protogynous hermaphrodite. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Queen coris?
The Queen coris has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern. Strong difference between the juvenile and the male colouration; protogynous hermaphrodite
Where does the Queen coris live?
The Queen coris lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Indian Ocean
How big does the Queen coris get?
The Queen coris grows to a maximum of about 60 cm.
Is the Queen coris dangerous to humans?
No, the Queen 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.
Is the Queen coris edible?
The Queen coris 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 Queen coris?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Queen coris is one of 12,519 species in the app.