Red Coris Wrasse

The Red Coris Wrasse undergoes one of the most dramatic color transformations of any marine fish. Juveniles are bright orange-red with bold white spots outlined in black, resembling a completely different species from the adults. Adult terminal-phase males develop a dark blue-green body with vivid blue spots on the face, a bright yellow tail, and striking blue facial markings. This radical transformation is a major draw for aquarists.

This is a large, active wrasse that reaches up to fourteen inches in captivity, making it one of the bigger wrasses commonly available. It requires a spacious aquarium with a deep sand bed, as it buries itself completely at night to sleep. The Red Coris Wrasse is a powerful swimmer with a strong personality and will become the dominant presence in most aquariums.

While the juvenile form is temptingly small and colorful, potential keepers must plan for the large adult size. The Red Coris Wrasse is not reef-safe, as it actively hunts and consumes invertebrates including snails, hermit crabs, shrimp, sea urchins, and even small starfish. It is best suited for large fish-only aquariums or fish-only-with-live-rock setups. Despite its aggressive feeding habits, it is moderately peaceful toward fish tankmates of similar size.