by Matthew Stanton The Species: The Eastern King Wrasse (Coris sandageri), is occassionally encountered by Australian divers and infrequently encountered by  line fishermen (Hutchins, 1986). Little appears to have been recorded of Coris sandageri in Australia, however it also occurs in North-west New Zealand where it is described as common. A couple of New Zealand publications have noted features of its biology. C. sandageri is a medium sized member of the family Labridae (Wrasses) growing to approximately 500 mm and 2 kg (Hutchins, 1986). It is a diurnal reef dwelling species and hunts benthic invertebrates such as small crustaceans, molluscs, analids and echinoderms. These food items are often procured from under small rocks which the wrasses are able to turn over (Collins, 19??). At night it is known to bury under coarse sand or very fine gravel. The species requires reef edges or a mosaic of reef and sand to provide both nocturnal shelter and diurnal food supply. Like most labrids, Coris sandageri is a protogynous hermaphoradite although there is no documented evidence of the exact kind of sex change that takes place. Methods of changing sexuality are diverse and uninvestigated for most labrid species (Thresher, 1984). The author has observed Coris sandageri females (initial phase) of approximately 400mm and females are far more commonly observed than males in a ratio of approximately 8:1. The changes in body colouration (that in labrids are usually related to change in sex), are distinct to the point that the juvenile, initial and terminal phases could easily be mistaken as separate species. The juvenile has markings typical of most "cleanerfish" and similar to the juvenile Comb Wrasse (Coris picta) except that the stripe is usually yellow with a black terminal spot. The initial adult phase is drab with brown markings on a pale background. The terminal adult phase (male) is rather more gaudy with purple or mauve and blue on the face and throat, a brilliant red flash on the base of the pectoral fin and striking dark bands around the middle of the body which are edged with yellow. The rear two fifths of the body is a rich purple-brown shade and the fins may be flushed with blue. All three phases are distinctive and unlikely to be confused with other species. The closest relative of Coris sandageri is Coris auricularis, the Western King Wrasse, found only in southern Western Australia where it is described by Grant (1987) as "probably the most commonly-seen reef-dweller of the region". All phases of this species are characterised by prominent scarlet markings not found on their eastern relatives. Distribution and abundance: Most other temperate Coris wrasses are common or abundant. Relatively Coris sandageri is uncommon and restricted in distribution. Little has been recorded of Coris sandageri in Australia, however it also occurs in North-west New Zealand where it is described as common in a couple of New Zealand publications. The species can be described as uncommon in all other localities. Documentation of the scarcity of the species is provided in the AUF records which despite having no measure of catch effort show that the prized trophy fish is brought in approximately 20 times in a year. The size data shows that most, if not all of the captured specimens are female (initial phase) fish. In the authors estimation, the data supports the hypothesis that the species is uncommon or rare.  In Australia most authors note its range as Central NSW to North-east Victoria. The author has made a slight range extension with a recent observation of a pair of Coris sandageri at Fish Rock, South West Rocks, NSW. The core of their Australian range appears to be on the South Coast of NSW between Batemans Bay and Eden. Depth limit may depend on water clarity. Recorded from shallows down to 60 metres in clear island waters but only to 30 metres in dirty coastal waters.
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A survey day for Coris sandageri by recreational divers is currently proposed. For more information or to pass on sightings or relevant information on the species please contact:
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