Coris batuensis, sometimes referred to as C. schroederi (a synonym), is very closely related to C. variegata (Ruppell) from the Red Sea.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 19 cm
color
Pale and rather drab. Spots on sides and broad bars on back changing from reddish to greenish with growth. Small dark spot behind eye. Two dark oscillated spots on dorsal fin. Large males with all colours darker. Juveniles white with irregular greenish bars and small orange spots.
Frequently found in shallow reef flats and lagoons, the pale hue of this creature is likely an effective form of camouflage.
distinctive characters
This fish has a dorsal fin with nine spines and eleven rays, an anal fin with three spines and eleven rays, and a pectoral fin with thirteen to fifteen rays. Its body depth is between two point eight and three point five inches in standard length.