About Coris picta (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
Common Name and Body Shape
This species, commonly called the combfish, has a long white body.
Primary Lateral Stripe Appearance
A prominent wide black stripe runs from its mouth, across its eye, and along the body all the way to the end of the tail. The lower margin of this stripe is wavy and comb-like, which gives the fish its common name.
Breeding Season Stripe Color Change
During the breeding season, the portion of this stripe located on the tail fin changes to yellow.
Dorsal Stripe Appearance
In addition, a thin red stripe runs along the top of the body, starting at the mouth, along the full length of the dorsal fin’s base.
