African coris
📖 Overview
A solitary species found in areas of mixed coral, sand and rubble of exposed outer reef flats, lagoon and seaward reefs . Benthopelagic . Feeds mainly on mollusks, crabs, and hermit crabs, and occasionally on tunicates and forams . Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 128797.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12 - 13; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 12. Juveniles easily recognized by their striking coloration. Females have a bright yellow caudal fin .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for African coris is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Oviparous, with distinct pairing during breeding .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 50 m . Tropical; 37°N - 31°S, 96°E - 142°W north to Japan and the Hawaiian Islands, south to Australia.
🌿 Ecology
mollusks, crabs, and hermit crabs, and occasionally on tunicates and forams (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"African coris is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.6 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 128 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for African coris has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | African clown wrasse · African coris · African coris, Yellowtail coris · Clown wrasse · Gaimard's wrasse · Rainbow wrasse · Yellowtail coris |
| 🇫🇷French | Coris à queue jaune |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | Tsuyubera · ツユベラ |
| 🌍TAH | po'ou pataitai |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 柳冷仔 · 紅龍 · 蓋馬氏盔魚 · 蓋馬氏鸚鯛 · 露珠盔魚 · 露珠盔鱼 |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coris gaimard gaimard | Quoy & Gaimard | 1824 | Synonym |
| Coris gaimard speciosa | Fowler | 1946 | Synonym |
| Coris gaimardi | Quoy & Gaimard | 1824 | Synonym |
| Coris greenoughii | Günther | 1861 | Synonym |
| Coris greenovii | Bennett | 1828 | Synonym |
| Coris pulcherrima | Günther | 1862 | Synonym |
| Julis gaimard | Quoy & Gaimard | 1824 | Synonym |
| Julis gaimard speciosa | Fowler | 1946 | Synonym |
| Julis ganymede | Bennett | 1830 | Synonym |
| Julis greenovii | Bennett | 1828 | Synonym |
| Julis leucorhynchos | Bleeker | 1856 | Synonym |
| Julis pulcherrima | Günther | 1862 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect African coris.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 29 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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