Red Coris Wrasse Juvenile

The Red Coris Wrasse, also known as the Red Coris, Clown Wrasse, or Red Labrid, is a beautiful and colorful saltwater fish that can be a great addition to any aquarium. This fish is especially popular among hobbyists due to its vibrant red and yellow coloration. However, it's important to note that the Red Coris Wrasse goes through several color and pattern changes throughout its life, and the juvenile stage can be challenging to care for. In this care guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to keep your Red Coris Wrasse juvenile healthy and happy in your aquarium.

Habitat and Tank Requirements

The Red Coris Wrasse is found in the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Maldives to Hawaii. As juveniles, these fish prefer a well-established reef environment with plenty of hiding places, live rock, and coral. A tank size of at least 75 gallons is recommended, as these fish can grow up to 10 inches in length.

Water parameters should be kept stable, with a temperature range of 75-82°F, a pH between 8.1-8.4, and a salinity of 1.023-1.025. Proper filtration and regular water changes are also essential for the health of your fish.

Diet

The Red Coris Wrasse is a carnivorous fish and requires a varied diet of high-quality frozen or live foods. As juveniles, they primarily feed on small crustaceans and worms found in the sand or rock crevices. A diet consisting of brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and chopped squid or shrimp is ideal for juvenile Red Coris Wrasse. You should also avoid overfeeding, as these fish are prone to obesity and other health issues.

Behavior and Tank Mates

Juvenile Red Coris Wrasse are active and can be aggressive toward smaller fish, invertebrates, or snails. Therefore, it's important to avoid keeping them with small or delicate tank mates. It's also important to provide plenty of hiding places and live rock for these fish to explore and hide in.

As they mature, they can become more aggressive and territorial, so it's important to monitor their behavior and provide ample swimming space. They may also dig in the sand and move rocks, so it's essential to have a sturdy aquarium setup.

Color Changes

The Red Coris Wrasse undergoes several color and pattern changes throughout its life. As juveniles, they have a red body with yellow stripes and spots, which later transition to a blue body with yellow stripes and spots. As they mature, they develop a greenish-blue body with yellow or orange stripes and spots.

It's important to note that the color changes can be stressful for the fish and may cause them to hide or become more aggressive. Therefore, it's essential to provide a peaceful environment and minimize stress as much as possible.

Conclusion

The Red Coris Wrasse juvenile can be a challenging but rewarding addition to any reef aquarium. By providing a peaceful environment, a varied diet, and proper tank mates, you can ensure that your Red Coris Wrasse juvenile is healthy and happy in your aquarium. Keep an eye on water parameters and provide regular care to keep your fish thriving as they undergo color and pattern changes throughout their life. With patience and dedication, you can enjoy the vibrant beauty of this unique fish in your aquarium.