Appearance
Like many wrasses, "C. julis" is a sequential hermaphrodite: All start in the smaller initial phase. These initial-phase individuals can turn into the larger secondary-phase males. At a length of about 18 cm, all individuals are secondary-phase males. The maximum length for the species is 25 cm. There is a marked difference in the appearance of the two phases. In the Mediterranean Sea, the secondary-phase male is green, blue, or brown, with white belly, a dark blue spot over the ventral fin, and a bright orange band on the side, while the smaller primary-phase females and males are brown with yellowish sides and white bellies. Populations in the Atlantic differ in colour and genetics from the Mediterranean population, but are maintained in a single species at present. If found to be separate, the scientific name "Coris festiva" is available for the Atlantic population.
Habitat
It is typically found near the shore in places with seagrass or rocks. It is usually found at depths of 0–60 m, but occurs as deep as 120 m.
Food
It feeds on amphipods, isopods, sea urchins, polychaete, shrimps, and small gastropods.References:
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