Description:

Dorsal spines: 9; Dorsal rays: 12-13 rays; Anal spines: 3; Anal rays: 12.

Moderately slender wrasse, dorsal profile of head shallowly convex. 2 prominent canines at front of each jaw subsequent teeth gradually smaller in size along each jaw. 
Opercle and lower jaw without scales. Dorsal fin continuous, first 2 spines in large individuals considerably longer with long trailing filament, and set closer together 
than succeeding spines. Pelvic fins also with long trailing filaments in large individuals. Caudal fin truncate to slightly rounded.

Colour. Red to purplish brown with a green spot on each body scale. Green spots also on caudal fin and proximal halves of dorsal and anal fins. Head with several broad, 
bright green stripes, the most prominent directed from corner of mouth upward and backward toward lower side of eye, then backward and downward to edge of opercle. Dorsal 
and anal fins purplish brown with proximal green stripes and spots. Caudal fin purplish brown with green band distally and dark edge. Small individuals red orange, with 
5 prominent black edged white bands or spots high on sides, but without a black spot centrally on dorsal fin. Adult male has a greenish-white stripe in the middle of the 
body, which is absent in females.

Maturity: Lm unknown. Range unknown. Max Length: 38 cm TL.

Inhabits areas of rubble between and within coral reefs in exposed lagoons and seaward reefs (depth 1-50m). Juveniles occur in small tide pools, exposed reef flats with 
algae-rubble. Generally solitary. Feeds mainly on hard-shelled prey, including crustaceans, molluscs and sea urchins. Oviparous, with distinct pairing during breeding.

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is caught in the handline fishery, but is an uncommon component of the catch.

Craig, M.T. (2010). Coris cuvieri. The IUCN Red List 2010: https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T187640A8587910.en. (03/03/20).
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. (Eds.) (2019). FishBase. https://www.fishbase.se/Summary/Coris-cuvieri.html (04/06/19).  
Randall, J.E. (1986). Labridae. p. 683-706. In M.M. Smith and P.C. Heemstra (eds.) Smiths' sea fishes. Springer-Verlag, Berlin.
 

Nevill, J.E.G. (2019). Coris cuvieri, African coris. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc.  https://seatizens.sc/species/coris-cuvieri-bennett-1831/ (edited 10/07/22).