Coris gaimard (Quoy & Gaimard 1824)

Juveniles easily recognized by their striking coloration. Females have a bright yellow caudal fin (Ref. 48636).

Oviparous, with distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205).

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12 - 13; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 12

Occurs inshore (Ref. 75154). Found in areas of mixed coral, sand and rubble of exposed outer reef flats, lagoon and seaward reefs (Ref. 1602, 48636). Feeds mainly on mollusks, crabs, and hermit crabs, and occasionally on tunicates and forams (Ref. 1602); and small invertebrates (Ref. 54301).

A solitary species (Ref. 90102) found in areas of mixed coral, sand and rubble of exposed outer reef flats, lagoon and seaward reefs (Ref. 1602, 48636). Benthopelagic (Ref. 58302). Feeds mainly on mollusks, crabs, and hermit crabs, and occasionally on tunicates and forams (Ref. 1602).

fisheries: commercial; aquarium: public aquariums