Spot-Tail Wrasse

Coris caudimacula

The Spot-tail Wrasse, Coris caudimacula, inhabits the Indian Ocean, with a range extending from the northern Red Sea to the northwest coast of Australia, including Shark Bay. Divers typically encounter this species at depths of 3 to 25 meters, though it can be found as deep as 57 meters. It has a streamlined body featuring four pink salmon stripes and may show broad dark bars on its upper side. A notable characteristic is the large, diffuse blackish spot at the base of its tail fin, which aids in identification. This wrasse is commonly found in sandy areas rich in algae near reefs or within seagrass beds. Its diet consists of various small invertebrates such as amphipods, tanaids, pelecypods, brachyuran crabs, gastropods, and polychaetes, playing a role as a predator of smaller marine life in its ecosystem. Reproduction is oviparous, with pairs forming during the breeding season. Although it is subject to commercial fishing and aquarium trade, the Spot-tail Wrasse is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.