Coris gaimard

Datasheet

General Description

The African Coris, also known as Yellowtail Coris, belongs to the Labridae family and can be found in the Pacific Ocean, ranging from the Christmas and Cocos-Keeling Islands to Japan, Australia, and even Hawaii. These Rainbow Wrasses exhibit a striking transformation from juvenile to adult stages and are known for their large size. They possess the habit of burrowing into the substrate as a defense mechanism or for sleeping, emphasizing the need for a deep substrate in aquariums.

Aquarium Suitability

Considered suitable with care for aquariums, the African Coris can prove to be demanding due to their large size, requiring a minimum tank size of 1500 liters when fully grown. Their hardiness level is categorized as "hardy," but they are known to be aggressive towards smaller fish and can pose a threat to bivalves, sea urchins, and even small crustaceans due to their predatory nature.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

These creatures need a deep sandy substrate to exhibit their natural behaviors, and while acclimating, it is essential not to disturb them to avoid stress. They require a varied diet comprising larger crustaceans, other invertebrates, and small crustaceans like krill, mysis, and artemia. Additionally, African Coris should be provided with ample space for swimming as they enjoy swimming activities.

Reef Suitability

The African Coris is not deemed reef-safe as they may disrupt the reef ecosystem by moving and rearranging rocks and sand in search of food. Their inclination towards hunting invertebrates can make them a threat to the delicate balance of a reef tank.

Aquarium Setup

Setting up an aquarium for African Coris involves ensuring a deep sand bed of at least 2 inches to accommodate their burrowing habit. Rocks should also be securely placed to prevent toppling. Maintaining water conditions with a pH range of 8.1-8.4, temperature between 22.2-25.6°C, and a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025 is crucial for their well-being.

Behaviour

African Coris exhibit a shy behavior initially, preferring to hide while acclimating to their new environment. They may showcase aggressive tendencies towards other tank mates, particularly smaller or slower-swimming fish.

Feeding and Diet

To meet their dietary requirements, these wrasses must be offered a diet comprising larger crustaceans such as shrimp and crabs, alongside other invertebrates and small crustaceans like krill, mysis, and artemia. It's essential to provide a varied diet to ensure their nutritional needs are met adequately.

Habitat and Distribution

In their natural habitat, African Coris can be found in various regions across the Pacific Ocean, from the eastern Indian Ocean to the Society and Tuamoto islands. They thrive in sandy substrates and rocky areas where they can hunt for prey effectively.