Western king wrasse
(Coris auricularis)

Juveniles are dark reddish to black with a narrow white stripe above the lateral line and a broader white mid-lateral stripe.

Females (intermediate phase) are pale greenish to pinkish with a reddish-brown tapering stripe above the lateral line.

Large males (terminal phase) are salmon pink to purplish, with a paler chin and throat, a bluish-black mark on the rear of the gill cover and a broad white vertical band on the abdomen.

Lives in small haremic groups with a dominant male controlling several juveniles and females.

Eastern Indian Ocean, Australia.

Max length: 40 cm