Clown coris (Coris aygula) male and female

   Males (terminal phase) are dark blue-green with a blackish tint, often with a pale green stripe behind the pectoral fin, followed by one or more indistinct light stripes on the sides, and elongated anterior spines of the dorsal fin. Females are smaller than males. The anterior part of the body is light gray or whitish with numerous small dark red (crimson) spots. The posterior part of the body is dark gray or blackish. Two color zones (light anterior and dark posterior) are separated by a distinct wide vertical white stripe (sometimes greenish). The intermediate stage is light with black dots. Adults are dark green or olive. The caudal fin of females is slightly rounded.