Rose Coris Wrasse

Coris ballieui. 

Coris ballieui, commonly known as Ballieu's wrasse or Ballieu's coris, is a species of marine fish that belongs to the family Labridae. It is native to the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean, including the Red Sea, the Maldives, and Japan.

Ballieu's wrasse has a bright and striking appearance, with a blue-green body and yellow fins. Juveniles have a similar color pattern but with a black spot at the base of their tail fin. This fish can grow up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) in length, but the average length is around 20 centimeters (8 inches).

This species inhabits coral reefs, where it feeds on small invertebrates, such as crustaceans, mollusks, and worms. Ballieu's wrasse is a diurnal fish, which means it is active during the day and rests at night.

In terms of its conservation status, Ballieu's wrasse is currently classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). While it is not heavily targeted for commercial fishing, it is sometimes collected for the aquarium trade. The fish is also vulnerable to habitat degradation and coral reef destruction caused by human activities, such as pollution and overfishing.

Overall, Ballieu's wrasse is a beautiful and fascinating fish that plays an important role in coral reef ecosystems. Its vibrant colors and interesting behavior make it a popular subject for underwater photography and observation.