Coris flava, a new deep water species of wrasse from La Réunion, southwestern Indian Ocean (Teleostei: Labridae)

Abstract

The Yellow coris Coris flava n. sp. is described from La Réunion, southwestern Indian Ocean, based on two specimens collected in 2006 and 2012 off the northwest coast of the island at 200-250 m depth (only one specimen preserved). The species is characterized by the combination of the following characters: dorsal rays IX,12; anal rays III,12; pectoral rays 13-14; lateral-line scales 71 (+3); no scales on head; gill rakers 15; a single pair of large, strongly projecting, and slightly recurved canine teeth anteriorly in each jaw, the upper pair slightly out-flaring, the lowers fitting between uppers when mouth closed; canine tooth at corner of mouth present; ; body depth 3.52 in SL; caudal fin truncate; anterior part of dorsal fin not elevated; pelvic fins short, 1.7 in head length; body and fins of adults bright yellow, eye orange yellow, anterior dorsal-fin membrane with a dark grey blotch. An identification key to the species of Coris is presented.