Coris flavovittata

Datasheet

General Description

The Yellowstripe coris, scientifically known as Coris flavovittata, belongs to the Labridae family. These Rainbow Wrasses grow to a substantial size and undergo a significant transformation in appearance from juvenile to adult stages. They have a habit of burrowing into the tank substrate for sleeping or protection, emphasizing the need for a suitable depth of substrate typically ranging from 2 to 4 inches.

Aquarium Suitability

Considered suitable for aquariums with proper care, Yellowstripe coris can be a valuable addition; however, they require a large tank, with a minimum capacity of 1500 liters when fully grown. Despite their initial appeal as small fish, they quickly outgrow most domestic setups, posing a threat to bivalves, sea urchins, starfish, and large crustaceans as adults. They exhibit a tendency to hunt crustaceans, sea urchins, and worms effectively, making them a challenging presence in mixed fish populations.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

Yellowstripe coris are rated as hardy in terms of their resilience in aquarium settings. Their unique needs include a deep sandy substrate for burrowing, a varied diet comprising larger crustaceans, invertebrates, and small crustaceans, and ample space for swimming. These fish may initially hide themselves while acclimatizing to a new environment, stressing the importance of minimal disturbance during this period.

Reef Suitability

Yellowstripe coris are classified as not reef-safe due to their foraging habits that involve searching for food beneath loose objects, potentially causing disruption in a reef aquarium setup.

Aquarium Setup

To house Yellowstripe coris successfully, an aquarium setup should include a deep sandy substrate, securely placed rocks to prevent toppling, and ample swimming space. Water conditions must be maintained within specific parameters, including a temperature range of 22.2-25.6 degrees Celsius, pH between 8.1-8.4, and a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025.

Behaviour

These wrasses have a tendency to rearrange rocks and sand within the tank, reflecting their natural behavior. Additionally, they can potentially exhibit aggression towards other species, especially smaller fish, making careful consideration necessary when choosing tank mates.

Feeding and Diet

Yellowstripe coris have a varied diet that includes larger crustaceans, other invertebrates, and small crustaceans like krill, mysis, and artemia. In some cases, they may nibble at clams, including Tridacna species, highlighting their diverse feeding habits.

Habitat and Distribution

This species, primarily found in the Eastern Central Pacific around the Hawaiian Islands and the Northwest Pacific near the Midway Islands, thrives in locations with adequate space for swimming and burrowing. Wrasses like the Yellowstripe coris are crucial in reef aquaria due to their ability to combat unwanted invertebrates, showcasing their significance in maintaining ecological balance.