Fin's Fish Guide
The Spottail coris (Coris caudimacula) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 20 cm.
Indian Ocean, from the Red Sea and East Africa to north-western Australia.
Description
The spottail coris is a wrasse (Labridae) from the Indian Ocean. The species reaches about 20 cm and has a mottled body with a conspicuous dark spot on the tail base, to which the name refers. It usually occurs in sandy or algal-rich areas near reefs and in seagrass beds. The diet consists of small invertebrates such as amphipods, molluscs, crabs, snails and polychaetes, which it searches for on the bottom; at night it burrows into the sand. Like many wrasses the species is a protogynous hermaphrodite, beginning as a female and later able to change into a male.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Spottail coris?
The Spottail coris has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Dark blotch on the caudal peduncle; protogynous hermaphrodite that buries itself in the sand at night.
Where does the Spottail coris live?
The Spottail coris lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indian Ocean, from the Red Sea and East Africa to north-western Australia.
How big does the Spottail coris get?
The Spottail coris grows to a maximum of about 20 cm. On average the species is around 13 cm.
Is the Spottail coris dangerous to humans?
No, the Spottail coris is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Spottail coris edible?
Yes, the Spottail coris is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Coris
More from the family Labridae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spottail coris is one of 12,519 species in the app.