Red Coris Wrasse (Juvenile)

Also known as Clown Wrasse (Juvenile), Red Coris Wrasse, Yellowtail Coris Wrasse (Juvenile)

The juvenile Red Coris Wrasse is a stunning small fish featuring a brilliant orange-red body with distinctive white saddle markings and black spots, creating a clown-like appearance completely different from adults. Juveniles are peaceful, active, and entertaining, making excellent additions to reef or fish-only tanks. However, this species undergoes dramatic transformation—adults are much larger (12+ inches), bluish with yellow spots, and can become aggressive. Careful consideration of adult size and temperament is essential before purchasing juveniles.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Coris gaimard
• Common Names: Red Coris Wrasse (Juvenile), Clown Wrasse, Yellowtail Coris
• Adult Size: Up to 12-16 inches (juveniles only 2-4 inches when sold)
• Lifespan: 15-20+ years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful when young; becomes aggressive as adult
• Reef Compatibility: Juvenile reef safe; adults may flip rocks and eat invertebrates
• Minimum Tank Size: 125+ gallons REQUIRED for adult
• Experience Level: Intermediate; must plan for dramatic adult changes

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Tank Environment: Juveniles need moderate space with rockwork and caves. CRITICAL: Must plan for adults requiring a 125+ gallon tank. Provide a deep sand bed (3-4 inches) for burying behavior. Moderate to strong water flow. Secure rockwork as adults can move substantial rocks.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Good water quality essential

Equipment Recommendations:

• Quality filtration (upgrade as fish grows)
• Protein skimmer
• Moderate to strong water circulation
• Secure, tight-fitting lid (jumpers)
• Deep sand substrate (3-4 inches minimum)

Plan equipment upgrades as fish matures to large adult size.

Diet & Feeding

Red Coris Wrasses are carnivores with hearty appetites at all life stages.

Recommended foods include:

• Primary: Frozen mysis shrimp, frozen krill, frozen brine shrimp
• Variety: Chopped seafood, chopped clams, marine flesh
• Hard-shelled foods: Small snails, shrimp with shells (adults need these regularly)
• Quality: High-protein foods; adults need substantial portions

Feeding Frequency: Once or twice daily

Special Note: Juveniles have excellent appetite. Adults require large meals and hard-shelled foods. 

Social Structure & Compatibility

• Juvenile Temperament: Peaceful and compatible with most fish
• Adult Temperament: Aggressive and territorial toward many species
• Transformation: Personality changes dramatically as fish matures
• Adult Compatibility: Only with large, robust, semi-aggressive fish
• Reef Safety: Juveniles safe; adults will flip rocks hunting prey and eat invertebrates

Notes & Considerations

• STUNNING juvenile appearance: Brilliant orange-red with white saddles and black spots.
• The juvenile pattern creates clown or harlequin appearance.
• One of the most beautiful juvenile wrasse colorations available.
• COMPLETELY different as an adult: Transformation is dramatic and total.
• Adults are bluish-gray with yellow spots; no resemblance to juveniles.
• Pattern transformation occurs gradually over 2-3 years.
• Intermediate stages show a mixture of juvenile and adult patterns.
• SIZE INCREASE IS DRAMATIC: 2-4 inch juveniles become 12-16 inch adults.
• PERSONALITY CHANGES DRAMATICALLY: Peaceful juveniles become aggressive adults.
• Adults become territorial toward other wrasses and many fish species.
• Adults can be bullies in community tanks.
• TANK SIZE MUST INCREASE: 75 gallon tank suitable for juveniles inadequate for adults.
• Adults REQUIRE 180+ gallons minimum; cramped conditions cause severe aggression.
• CRITICAL PLANNING REQUIRED: Do not purchase unless prepared for adult size/temperament.
• Many aquarists were forced to rehome adults due to inadequate planning.
• Juveniles bury in sand at night and when threatened (normal behavior).
• May disappear for extended periods buried in sand; don’t panic.
• A deep sand bed (3-4 inches minimum) is essential for this behavior.
• Very active swimmer at all life stages.
• Adults can flip and move rocks: Secure rockwork to prevent collapse.
• Adults hunt by flipping rocks searching for hidden prey.
• Can rearrange substantial aquascaping.
• Juveniles are peaceful toward invertebrates; adults eat shrimp, crabs, snails.
• Adults will consume ornamental invertebrates.
• Excellent jumper at all life stages: Secure lid mandatory.
• Very hardy and disease-resistant once established.
• Adapts quickly to aquarium life.
• Excellent appetite at all ages; rarely refuses food.
• Can live 15-20+ years; very long-term commitment.
• Native to Indo-Pacific coral reef regions.
• Juveniles are readily available and popular.
• Moderate pricing for juveniles.
• Beautiful and entertaining when young but requires serious commitment.
• Best for aquarists with large systems or upgrade plans.

Why Choose a Quarantined Red Coris Wrasse (Juvenile)?

Purchasing a quarantined juvenile specimen from us means you’re starting with a healthier, well-acclimated young wrasse. All fish are observed, treated as needed, and confirmed as excellent feeders before sale. Proper quarantine is especially important for juvenile wrasses as they can be stressed during collection. Only purchase if you can commit to housing a large, aggressive adult wrasse long-term. This is a 15-20 year commitment to a fish that will dramatically change. Secure lid mandatory. Plan for adult requirements before purchasing a juvenile.