Western king wrasse
(Coris auricularis)
General data
Scientific names:
Western king wrasse
Habitat:
Saltwater
Climate:
Subtropical
Native to coast of:
Australia & Oceania
Juveniles are dark reddish to black with a narrow white stripe above the lateral line and a broader white mid-lateral stripe.
Females (intermediate phase) are pale greenish to pinkish with a reddish-brown tapering stripe above the lateral line.
Large males (terminal phase) are salmon pink to purplish, with a paler chin and throat, a bluish-black mark on the rear of the gill cover and a broad white vertical band on the abdomen.
Lives in small haremic groups with a dominant male controlling several juveniles and females.
Eastern Indian Ocean, Australia.
Max length: 40 cm
