Wrasses

Queen coris (Coris formosa)

The Queen coris (Coris formosa) belongs to the family Labridae (wrasses) and is found in the Red Sea, with a wider Indo-Pacific range. It is a carnivore and usually seen alone. It reaches about 40 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Least Concern. It is not dangerous to divers.

Queen coris (Coris formosa), a Red Sea fish of the wrasses family
Photo: iNaturalist / Wikimedia Commons

Quick facts

Scientific nameCoris formosa
FamilyWrasses (Labridae)
Common name (IT)Tordo formosa
Common name (EN)Queen coris
Maximum size40 cm
Depth1–50 m
DistributionRed Sea and Indo-Pacific
IUCN statusLC — Least Concern

Description

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

Where it lives

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

  • Red Sea
  • Indo-Pacific

Frequently asked questions

What family does the Queen coris belong to?
The Queen coris (Coris formosa) belongs to the family Labridae (wrasses).
Is the Queen coris dangerous?
It is not dangerous to divers. As with any reef animal, do not touch or handle it.
Is the Queen coris endemic to the Red Sea?
No — it occurs in the Red Sea but its range extends across the Indo-Pacific.
How big does the Queen coris get?
It reaches a maximum length of about 40 cm.

Explore the Queen coris in 3D in the interactive atlas →