Distribution:

Eastern Atlantic: Sweden to south of Cape Lopez, Gabon; also from the Mediterranean, Azores, Madeira, and the Canary Islnads. Specimen of Coris from the Cape Verde Islands and Senegal southward should be expected to be C. atlantica, here still treated as a junior synonym pending a definite publication of validity.

Diagnosis:

Dorsal spines (total): 8-10; Dorsal softrays (total): 11-12; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft-rays: 11-12. Snout with 4-6 cephalic pores. Spiny rays flexible. No scales on head and on base of dorsal and anal fins. Vertebrae 25-26. Males: first 3 dorsal rays elongated, with an orange or red and black spot. Along the flanks, a- longitudinal zig-zag orange or red stripe. Females and juveniles: a longitudinal large whitish stripe along flanks,/ a mid-longitudinal zig-zag, dark brown stripe.

Biology:

Occurs in the littoral zone, near rocks and eelgrass beds. Usually found between 1-60 m, but old males stay in deeper water. Found in deeper waters during winter. Sometimes solitary, among rocks, often with numerous specimens in its immediate vicinity. Buries itself in sand at night or when frightened. Feeds on small gastropods, sea urchins, shrimps, worms, isopods and amphipods. Sexually mature when 1 year old. Sex reversal in some old females. Pelagic eggs.

Max. size: 30.0 cm

Environment: reef-associated; depth range 0 - 120 m

Climate: temperate; 18 - 22°C; 75°N - 25°N

Canary Islands country information: Name: Doncella