The Red Coris originates from southeast Asia and the central Pacific.
It is also known as the Yellowtail Coris. The most distinctive feature of
this fish is the changes in appearance that it progresses through from juvenile
to adult. Juveniles are a solid red color with several white black-rimmed
saddles along the dorsal rim. As it changes to adult, all young develop as
females with tiny blue spots over the entire body against a black background and
then develop bright yellow tails. The head develops green lines against a
red face. In the adult stage, males develop with a dark gray coloration
and a barely noticeable green vertical bar behind the gills. Some
specimens turn more orange. Females end up mainly a dark blue fringed in
red.
In the wild, the Red Coris feeds mainly on mollusks and crabs. They
should be fed at least twice a day and the diet should include quality flakes as
well as frozen foods such as shrimp. They are aggressive feeders, so make
sure your other fish are also getting sufficient quantities. A sandy
substrate should be provided, with adequate depth to burrow into. The
family Labridae that they belong to refers to their frequent use of their mouth
to manipulate their environment. The tank should be at least 75 - 100
gallons. Make sure the tank is covered as they are good jumpers.
Red Coris do not ship well, so resist the urge to buy a newly arrived
magnificent looking young adult. Wait to see how it fairs, as it does
adapt well in captivity after adjusting from transport. Online shippers
don't guarantee red coris shipments. Red Coris Juveniles are much harder
to keep than adults. They have not been bred in captivity. Adult
size is greatly reduced in captivity.
female
sub-adult
Scientific Name:
Coris gaimard
Family:
Labridae
Care:
Difficult
Temperature:
22 - 26 C; 72 - 79 F
pH:
8.1 - 8.4
dH:
8 - 12
Specific Gravity:
1.020 - 1.025
Size:
40 cm; 16 inches
Breeding:
Egg Layer
Life Span:
years
Crustacean Safe:
No
Coral Safe:
No
Compatibility:
Best to keep only one Coris gaimard in the
tank. Suitable tank mates include Dwarf
Angelfish, Blennies, Boxfish, Butterflies,
Clownfish, Damselfish, Hawkfish and Rabbitfish