Coris gaimard
The Red Coris Wrasse, *Coris gaimard*, is a vibrant and active fish that undergoes a dramatic transformation from its juvenile to adult stage. The juvenile Red Coris Wrasse is particularly striking, displaying a brilliant red body with several large, black, white-ringed spots along its dorsal fin and body. As it matures, the coloration changes significantly, becoming more of a greenish-blue with red and yellow markings.
A minimum tank size of 75 gallons is recommended for the Red Coris Wrasse, as they are active swimmers and require ample space. They are found throughout the Indo-Pacific region and are considered to have an intermediate care level. This species is known to bury itself in the sand at night or when startled, so a deep sand bed is essential for their well-being.
In the aquarium, the Red Coris Wrasse will actively forage for small invertebrates, making them a beneficial addition for controlling unwanted pests like snails and small crustaceans. They should be offered a varied diet of high-quality marine pellets, frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and other meaty foods. They can reach a maximum size of around 12 inches in captivity. While generally peaceful, they can become more territorial as they mature and may not be suitable for tanks with very small or delicate invertebrates.
