Blackstripe Coris

Coris flavovittata

Blackstripe Coris is a marine fish species found primarily in the Eastern Central Pacific, particularly around the Hawaiian and Midway Islands. This species inhabits coral reefs, often in areas with sand and rubble. Divers are likely to encounter them at depths ranging from 1 to 98 meters, although most observations occur shallower than 40 meters. The fish has a fusiform body shape, which aids in its benthopelagic lifestyle, allowing it to swim actively near the ocean floor. The diet of the Blackstripe Coris is diverse; it feeds on a variety of invertebrates, including sea urchins, bivalves, gastropods, brittle stars, crabs, and polychaetes. This species is protogynous, meaning individuals have the ability to change sex from female to male during their life cycle. While not much is detailed about their breeding habits, this reproductive strategy is common among wrasses. For divers, encountering a Blackstripe Coris can be an interesting experience as these fish are harmless and often part of the commercial fisheries and aquarium trade. They are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.