The Red Coris Wrasse (Coris gaimard), also known as the Clown Wrasse or Yellowtail Coris, is a strikingly beautiful marine fish belonging to the family Labridae.

Distribution and Habitat

Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea to Hawaii, commonly found on coral reefs and sandy areas at depths from 1 to 50 meters.

Physical Description

Juveniles are bright orange with white spots edged in black, while adults develop a dark green or blue body with yellow fins and brilliant red dots.

Diet and Feeding

Carnivorous, feeds on crustaceans and mollusks in the wild, and readily accepts frozen and prepared foods like krill, clams, and mysis in captivity.

Behavior and Reproduction

Protogynous hermaphrodites that grow large and active. They bury in sand at night or when alarmed, and may jump from open aquariums.

Aquarium Care

Requires 125+ gallons with a deep sand bed and a tight lid. Semi-aggressive and not reef-safe with small invertebrates such as crabs, snails, and shrimp.

Conservation Status

Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.