Species Description…

Scientific Name: Coris gaimard

Common Name: Yellowtail Coris Wrasse

Species Group: Wrasses

Habitat: Reef Safe with Caution

Care Level: Intermediate

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Diet Type: Carnivore

Role in Aquarium: Showpiece Fish

Max Fish Length: 12 (inches)

Min Aquarium Size: 125 (gallons)

Native Range: Indo-Pacific, including the Red Sea, Indonesia, and the Great Barrier Reef

Coris Gaimard - The Yellowtail Coris Wrasse

Coris Gaimard (The Yellowtail Coris Wrasse)

Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly found in coral reefs, sandy lagoons, and rocky coastal regions.
Known for its dramatic color transformation from juvenile to adult stages.
Juveniles display a bright red body with white spots, while adults develop a striking greenish-blue hue with yellow and black markings.
A highly active and intelligent species that requires ample swimming space and a deep sand bed for burrowing.
Best suited for large aquariums with stable water conditions, plenty of live rock, and a well-established ecosystem.

Carnivorous, primarily feeding on small crustaceans, mollusks, and sea urchins in its natural habitat.
Requires a protein-rich diet consisting of frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, chopped squid, and marine pellets.
Readily adapts to prepared foods but benefits from occasional live food offerings.
Multiple feedings per day support growth, energy levels, and overall health.
A varied diet with essential nutrients enhances its vibrant coloration and longevity.

Prefers reef-associated environments with sandy bottoms for burrowing.
Frequently found in open areas where it actively hunts for food and explores its surroundings.
Aquarium setups should include a deep sand bed for burrowing and live rock structures for shelter.
Requires high-quality filtration and stable water conditions to prevent stress-related illnesses.
Providing a combination of open swimming areas and rocky structures encourages natural behaviors.

Optimal water temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C) for maintaining overall health and activity.
Preferred pH range: 8.1-8.4, with a salinity level of 1.020-1.025.
Requires consistent water quality with frequent water changes and proper tank maintenance.
Not reef-safe, as it may prey on small invertebrates and disturb coral structures.
Providing an appropriately structured aquarium supports its active lifestyle and minimizes stress.

Semi-aggressive and best housed with other similarly sized, robust marine fish.
Compatible with tangs, angelfish, groupers, and other large predatory species.
Should not be kept with small fish or delicate invertebrates, as they may become prey.
May become territorial as it matures, requiring ample space to prevent aggression.
Providing plenty of rockwork and open swimming areas helps minimize conflicts with tankmates.

An energetic and inquisitive species that actively explores its tank environment.
Frequently buries itself in the sand at night for protection and rest.
Often observed picking at rock surfaces, searching for food, and interacting with tankmates.
Providing a diverse environment with caves, open areas, and a deep sand bed supports its natural instincts.
Over time, it may recognize its caretaker and exhibit interactive behaviors, especially during feeding.