Spot-tail Wrasse, Coris caudimacula (Quoy & Gaimard, 1834)

Scientific name: Coris caudimacula
Alternative name/s:
Spotted Tail Wrasse, Spotted-tail Wrasse, Tail-spot Rainbow-wrasse
Spot-tail Wrasse, <i>Coris caudimacula</i> Click to enlarge image
A Spot-tail Wrasse at a depth of 15m, Muiron Islands, Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia, 26 April 2009. Image: Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Coris
    Species
    caudimacula
    Family
    Labridae
    Order
    Perciformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    20 cm

Introduction

Adult Spot-tail Wrasse can be recognised by their pattern of stripes and bars. The species occurs in tropical waters of the eastern Indian and western Pacific regions.

Identification

Adult Spot-tail Wrasse have a pattern of distinct bars and stripes on the body. There is usually a spot on the rear of the operculum.

Spot-tail Wrasse, Coris caudimacula
A Spot-tail Wrasse at a depth of 13m, Muiron Islands, Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia, 26 April 2009. Image: Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl

Distribution

The species occurs in tropical waters of the eastern Indian and western Pacific regions. In Australia it is known from south-western Western Australia to northern Australia.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

References

  1. Allen, G.R. 2009. Field Guide to Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 287.
  2. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
  3. Kuiter, R.H. 2010. Labridae Fishes: Wrasses. Aquatic Photographics. Pp. 398.