The Easter Island Coris, De Buen’s Coris, Rapanui Wrasse – Coris debueni is a vibrantly colored fish found in the tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean. It is a popular species among aquarium enthusiasts due to its striking appearance and relatively easy care requirements.
Description & Characteristics
Coris debueni is a small to medium-sized wrasse, reaching a maximum size of 27.0 cm. Its body is elongated and compressed, with a prominent dorsal fin that extends the length of its back. The fish exhibits striking color patterns, with males displaying vivid hues of blue, green, and yellow, while females are typically brown or grey. This striking color difference is a common feature in the wrasse family.
Habitat and Occurrence
Coris debueni is typically found in shallow to moderately deep waters, with a depth range of 1.0 – 60.0 meters. These wrasses can be seen in coral reefs, rocky shores, and seagrass beds, often inhabiting the coastal zones and the outer edges of the continental shelves. Their preference for these diverse environments showcases their adaptability and ability to thrive in a range of marine habitats.
Taxonomy
Coris debueni is a member of the Labridae family, commonly known as wrasses. This family boasts a wide range of species, recognized for their diverse coloration, complex social behavior, and distinct protandrous hermaphroditism, where individuals transition from male to female during their lifespan. Coris debueni belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Eupercaria incertae sedis, highlighting its classification within the broader taxonomic framework of bony fishes.
Feeding
Coris debueni is a carnivore, feeding primarily on invertebrates. Its diet consists of clam meat, clams, edible crab, hermit crabs, sea urchins, snails, starfish, and zoobenthos. This dietary flexibility allows Coris debueni to thrive in diverse environments where these invertebrates are plentiful, making it a vital part of the food chain within its habitat.
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