Pixy Wrasse

Coris pictoides

The Pixy Wrasse, scientifically known as Coris pictoides, is a small fish associated with reefs in the tropical regions of the Western Pacific, including areas like the Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, and Taiwan. Divers can recognize this species by its unique color pattern: a whitish body with a prominent black stripe that extends from the snout through the eye to the upper central part of the tail fin. This stripe is bordered by a narrow white band separating it from a mid-dorsal black stripe. The fish has a yellowish iris, and males are distinguished by a yellow edge on the lower part of the lateral black stripe. The dorsal fin has a blackish base with a red tint, while the anal fin is a darker yellow, and the tail fin shows a light red tint at the base of the lobe. The Pixy Wrasse typically inhabits depths ranging from 9 to 55 meters and is commonly found near small coral formations in areas with silty sand and rubble. It often forms small groups along sandy or muddy substrates at the edges of reefs or on soft bottoms and can also venture into shallow estuaries. This species reproduces by laying eggs, with distinct pairing observed during the breeding season. Divers encountering a Pixy Wrasse can observe its tranquil behavior as it swims through the sandy and muddy areas of the reef. The species is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.