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African coris (Coris atlantica) — Labridae

African coris

Coris atlantica
Family: Labridae

The African coris (Coris atlantica) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The African coris is a wrasse (Labridae) from coastal waters of the eastern Atlantic, off West Africa. The species grows to about 20 cm and has an elongate, colourful body that changes greatly with age, with green, blue and orange tints and lines. As a bottom-oriented fish it swims over sand and reef bottoms and crushes molluscs, crustaceans and sea urchins with strong teeth; at night it dives into the sand. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the African coris?

The African coris has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly multicoloured.

Where does the African coris live?

The African coris lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the African coris get?

The African coris grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the African coris dangerous to humans?

No, the African coris is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Atlantische lipvis sourced
English name
African coris sourced
Scientific name
Coris atlantica
Family
Labridae

Appearance

Max length (cm)
20 sourced
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Multicoloured sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Coris

More from the family Labridae

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