Coris gaimard question     1/19/15
Hello. I know red Coris wrasses are one of Bob’s favorite fish. I absolutely love their coloration and activity as well. About 10 months ago I ordered a red Coris online for my 260 gallon FOWLR aquarium. Unfortunately they sent me a much smaller fish than I ordered - it was only about 2-2.5 inches
<Wow; this is small>
and rather than having full adult coloration, it still has remnants of the white saddles (though it is otherwise adult coloration which is surprising given the small size). I assumed the wrasse would grow to 4” or more fairly quickly, but to my disappointment it has barely grown at all in the last 10 months. It’s still about 2.5” and still has the white saddles. The fish sometimes disappears for days to weeks at a time, but as soon as I think it has died it reappears spry as ever. It has been a peaceful fish an not bothered anything, though most of the fish in my tank are also aggressive (tangs, angels, triggers, etc).
<Ahh; yes; the other fish are mal-influencing the growth of your Coris>
Because my red Coris doesn’t seem to be growing, I’d like to get a larger one in the 4-6” range, but I am wondering whether two red Coris can coexist, even in my fairly large tank.
<I do think they will get along fine; including when they're both much larger here>
Also, I intend to add a pink face wrasse (T. quinquevittatum) down the line, as my last fish. Will the pink face get along with the Coris and my other wrasses (melanarus, Scott’s fairy. red velvet fairy, and harlequin tusk)?
<In this size system, likely so>
Many thanks for any advice you can provide.
Ben
<Welcome. Bob Fenner>
Re: Coris gaimard question    1/20/15
Bob,
<Ben>
Thank you so much for the prompt reply! I love all the info available on your site but didn’t realize I could ask a question of my own till last night. Glad I did! I am glad you think adding a second red Coris will be okay - I generally assume most fish won’t get along with conspecifics unless added together or creating a harem, which I know Coris don’t do.
<You are correct... do tolerate each other in the wild... where there's space! Don't congregate in pairs, groups, but subdominant smaller males and females are tolerated>
Forgot to mention I have a juvenile dragon wrasse as well, about 3.5”, that also hasn’t grown much in the 10-12 months I’ve had him.
<I'd be "upping" the amount of meaty foods you offer; at least once a day>
I suspect his growth/maturation is also being mal-influenced by the other fish, which is fine with me as I prefer them as juveniles and don’t want him to outgrow my tank.
<Ahh; I see... well; as long as they're not overly skinny>
I assume since the dragon is a different genus entirely that it would not present any compatibility problem with the other fish I mentioned.
<Usually not; no>
What about adding a Christmas and/or dusky wrasse as well? I understand that different Halichoeres species should get along okay with my melanarus, correct?
<These should be fine, as the Rockmover and Coris live near the bottom, others off the bottom>
Thanks again for sharing your knowledge!
Ben
<A pleasure. BobF>

Wrasses, comp.      11/29/13
Would a Cuban Hogfish and a Corris Gainard get along in a 265gallon tank?
My Corris is about 5-6inches long. Just a guess but I expect if I ordered the Cuban it would be about 4inches.
<... one r in the genus Coris... likely would get along in this setting.
Bob Fenner>

Red Coris wrasse, comp., stkg./sel.     7/27/12
Hello guys and girls,
<Hi Steve, Jordan with you this morning.>
 I have doing a bit of research on the wrasse family and one fish in particular the red Coris wrasse (Coris gaimard ). It's a beautiful fish and one that I would have always liked to have in my aquarium but I have read many reports that they can either be peaceful, semi aggressive and even aggressive and destructive,
<I would categorize them more as semi-aggressive. They will not go out of there way to attack like some triggers but they will stand there ground.
Inverts will be eaten on sight, as well as smaller fish. The destructive characterization is somewhat accurate. They are a large strong fish that are constantly on the hunt for invertebrates and often flip or undermine rocks in there search, inadvertently causing a "rock-slide".>
 then I read they can be relatively easy to care for then another report will recommend them for only the expert aquarist,
<I would not list them as an expert only fish but they are not appropriate for all tanks. Firstly, they grow quite large. Mature adults can reach a very powerful sixteen inches, capable of uprooting very large rocks. A deep sandbed is a requirement that cannot be overlooked. They should be housed with other large boisterous fish.>
 all very confusing stuff, your web site has never steered me wrong before so if anyone can give me any info on the minimum tank size for an adult,
<"Adult" can be a fairly generic term in the fish world. C. gaimard which has just gained it's adult coloration can be housed in a four foot tank but tank upgrades are going to be a constant. Catching this fish for upgrades can be difficult as it will shoot into the sandbed as soon as it feels threatened. I've seen a few adults over twelve inches in length and all were housed in tanks at least eight feet in length.>
temperament and the experience required for keeping this fish it would be greatly appreciated.
<A beautiful but large fish. Read more here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes/wrasses/coris/gaimard.htm?h= >
Thanks
<Welcome>
Steve
<Jordan>

Hi...
Have 75 Gal tank, High, and it's fish only with inverts.    5/28/11
Have two smaller wrasses, red Coris and Dragon. Recently put a SMALL Koran Angel
<Will need at least twice this volume>
in tank and the red Coris
<This too>
is very much intimidating the angel. (2 inches). Will the coriw at one point accept that small angle. or will it
harass it continually.
<Too likely the latter>
At one point the two wrasses had an issue, but that territory thing did calm down after a few days.,Thanks!!
Bill G.
<If the Angel is not feeding, is hiding, being damaged either it or the Coris gaimard should be moved elsewhere. Bob Fenner>

Lunar Wrasse/Lyretail Wrasse (Thalassoma lunare), comp.  1/21/11
<Hello Jay>
I have a question regarding a Lunar Wrasse (4.25") and a Red Coris Wrasse (3.75"). Since these two fish are different genus (even though they're both still wrasses), could I put these two together in a 90gal FOWLR? I'm unsure as to whether or not they are different enough to get along fine. Most literature states one Thalassoma per tank and wasn't sure about the genus Coris. I have had the Red Coris for about 4 months. Any advice on this would be great!
<One Thalassoma per tank is because of their aggressiveness. Your tank is a little on the smallish side as these fish can grow to near 10 inches.>
Thanks,
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Jay 
Re Lunar Wrasse/Lyretail Wrasse (Thalassoma lunare), Coris comp. 1/21/11- 1/22/11
<Hello Jay>
Yes it is, its a temporary tank.
<Good.>
But my question wasn't whether or not my tank is the right size, it was whether or not these two different species of wrasse will fight or generally get along?
<Just wanted to note that as I had no idea your tank was temporary, you didn't state.>
Also, Bob states that the lunar wrasse attains a maximum of 10" on the reef....and significantly smaller in captivity.
<Agree, and I did state near 10". As to compatibility, the Lunare Wrasse, especially secondary males (females that change into males), can become aggressive and are known to frequently indulge in territorial disputes. As to compatibility, the Red Coris wrasse is also moderately aggressive, but not as aggressive as the Lunare Wrasse. In a larger system, 72"+ in length, with plenty of rock
work, these two species could co-exist with occasional disputes. In your new/larger system, I would put
the Lunare Wrasse in last. A good fitting glass top is highly recommended for wrasses to prevent unwanted bail outs.>
Thanks again.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)> 
Re Lunar Wrasse/Lyretail Wrasse    1/22/11
Hey everyone. What are the chances these two genus' will get along in a 90gal fowlr? I've had my red Coris for about 6 months and want to add a lunar last, both about 4". Was hoping to hear from someone before I go and purchase today.
Thanks for your time and advice.
Jay, why are you sending this in twice. I've just replied to your original query on this subject today. Please have a little patience.
James (Salty Dog)> 
Re Lunar Wrasse/Lyretail Wrasse    1/22/11
Ok.....thanks.
You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)

Revising stocking plan. Lion + Wrasse?  Coris gaimard comp.   8/8/08 Hello WWM Crew, <S...> Last year I wrote in for advice on my stocking plan for a 125g tank, which was deemed to be the limit of the tank: P. volitans, P. antennata, Siganus magnificus, queen conch. Due to numerous delays, it took about six months before I had any fish in the tank. This turned out to be fine, as it allowed the tank to have its a bout of Cyanobacteria without having to impact any fish. I've had a volitans and the Rabbitfish in the tank for about five months now, and they are doing fine. The LFS I am working with has been having a hard time getting in a healthy P. antennata or P. radiata. Checking the online retailers shows that none of them have P. radiata for sale, and few have P. antennata. <Interesting> Forgoing my theme of a venomous tank and shooting for getting a third and last fish in there that will get along with the others, I have been researching the Coris gaimard. I figure that since the volitans is presently around 4", that if I were to get a C. gaimard of similar size (I'm guessing it would have adolescent/young adult coloration), <Possibly... can have adult coloration/marking at this size> it would be too large for the volitans to readily eat. What I don't know is if the lion will grow so much faster than the wrasse that it will be in a position to make a meal of it, or if the wrasse will be aggressive enough to nip at the lion. <Mmm, likely about the same rate...> Most other common 'Fish only tank' fish are liable to pick on the lion (triggers, puffers, larger angels) or grow too large for the bioload of the tank (groupers, eels). Tangs seem delicate, and I would prefer to stay with hardy fish. Is this a viable option, or should I go back to the research? Thanks in advance. <Is a good choice IMO... thank you for investigating before writing. BobF>

Coris Wrasse and Bird Wrasse Compatibility 1/18/08 Hi Crew! Fish have been doing great lately so I have not had to bug you guys much till now. I have a Red Coris Wrasse I have had for about 6 months and saw a green male Bird Wrasse I like and was thinking about getting. Will these two get along? The Coris Wrasse is 4 inches or so and Bird Wrasse is 5 inches or so. Any thought will be as always more then appreciated. <Depends on the size of your tank, if 100 gallons or more, should not be any problem keeping the two together.> Thanks Crew! <You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>

Coris Wrasse comp. and Fluidized Bed Filter  11/6/07 Hello Again Crew Two question if I could? I have a Red Coris Wrasse and was wondering if I could put another Coris Wrasse with him? <Mmm, maybe... the same species... C. gaimard? If they're small, likely so... let's say, under four inches overall length or so> I noticed in the LFS they keep 4 or 5 together. Mine is 4 inches and doesn't bother anyone else in my tank. I love them so colorful and bullet proof. Never has gotten sick and has lived through Ick and velvet outbreaks in the past and never got it where everyone else has. I was thinking about getting a yellow Coris wrasse to go with him. <Oh! this is actually a Halichoeres species. H. chrysus... will likely get along if there's room...> The LFS always tells me things will get along and then I get home and someone getting beat up. Second question. I was thinking about adding a fluidized bed filter. I read on a company site if you slow down the flow you can turn it into a nitrate reducer. <Mmm, not likely> I know they sell ones that are similar in design for reducing nitrates and was wondering your thoughts on it? The FBF seem like a great filter and Am not sure why I haven't seen or heard more about them? Is there a drawback I missed compared to a wet dry? Thanks Crew! <A few... these FB devices are engineered to be more like wet-dries... with their media in constant upheaval, agitation... I encourage you to keep reading re marine filtration methods for now... consider adding a sump/refugium... with a DSB there... instead. Bob Fenner>

Coris vs. Shrimp... I'll take the wrasse...  4/1/07 Hi crew, <Jana.> I'm sorry if this has been asked before. I have two skunk cleaner shrimps in my reef tank and am thinking of adding a Coris gaimard. Do you think that is okay or will the wrasse have the shrimps for a snack. <It is surely a risk. The Coris gets plenty big enough to make an easy snack of the Lysmata and most invertebrate life for that matter. I have heard of instances where pre-established Lysmata have been able to co-exist with rough and tumble predators because the predators makes use of their janitorial behavior.  In most cases, however; though (those in captivity) the shrimps will likely be consumed. Again I reiterate it is a risk....a large risk which increases as the wrasse gets larger. The one thing to keep in mind is that their are NO guarantees and there are SOME exceptions. However I always say the same thing when it comes to exceptions; some people jump off a 20 story building and live...but that doesn't mean it's a good idea though.> thanks for all you good advise, regards, Jana <Adam J.>

Coris, Porc Puffer comp.  - 1/22/07 Hi there! <Hey, Gary! JustinN with you today.> Can you please confirm or refute the following statement.  It will go a long in deciding if a Red Coris wrasse would be compatible with my porcupine puffer.  Thanks! <Ok> "Any fish or animal ( including a Red Coris) that buries in the sand can inadvertently be bitten by a puffer. It is their natural feeding/hunting instinct to blow the sand at night and look for food. Many buried wrasses have fallen victim to a puffer's teeth". <Confirmed, my friend. -JustinN> Gary
Re: Which Wonderful Wrasse? Red Coris, Australian Harlequin Tusk and Paddlefin Wrasse?   1/27/07 Hi Mich, <Hello again Gary!> I'm going to take a chance, but I think the rewards are worth it.   <I hope for all involved you are correct.>    I think I'm going to get the Red Coris. I had some concern about keeping it with my Porc for the reasons which I had mentioned previously.   <Yes.> However, there are people who I've spoken with who have kept these 2 fish together with no problems.   <I am not sure how large the risk of potential problems is with this combination, certainly there are many variables which will factor in the equation, but you are at least there is a risk.  Does your Porc blow the sand around at night?> Is it true that I need to feed the red Coris 3-4 times?   <Yes, these fish are grazer.> Does it matter if I feed it more than once in the evenings when I get home from work?   <Should be OK.> How much time needs to be spaced between meals?   <I would space it out as much as you can while the lights are on.> Several hours or a couple of hours?   Thanks! <Welcome!  -Mich>

Red Coris Question ?   7/10/06 Hi crew hope all is going well. <Better all the time> Well I couldn't resist and bought a Red Coris Wrasse (Coris gaimard) for my aggressive tank. <A great aquarium species in the right setting> And all is good besides he is hiding in the sand. Yes I know they dig and I am perfectly fine with that. But just out of curiosity how do Coris wrasse Sp. breathe underneath the sand with out breathing in the sand?? <Good question... I suspect they continue to ventilate their gills with "buccal suction"... expanding and contracting the throat, pulling in water through the mouth, out the gill slits... Perhaps this species can/does "go anaerobic" for a period of time... Bob Fenner> Thanks for  Your time Josh Schiff

Compatibility...Tusk Fish And Red Coris Wrasse   7/3/06 Dear WWM crew I hope all is going well! <Not bad.> I have a few dilemmas I am trying to solve and would like your opinion. I really enjoy your website by the way. <Thank you.> First question, I have a 90 gallon saltwater aggressive tank. The inhabitants at the current moment are a  Volitans Lionfish and a Australian Harlequin Tusk fish (Choerodon (Lienardella) fasciata) I was wondering if my favorite Red Coris (Coris gaimard). I am not real worried about the harlequin being a bully because he is easily bullied by others (I'd be willing to bet any fish that has a need to bully another fish would be capable of bullying my harlequin (Haven't discovered a good bite with those big blue teeth would stop bullying immediately) But I was wandering if the harlequin would be OK with a wrasse in his tank? <Should be fine.> Question number two, I have been debating putting corals in the tank. I love the reef but I love the angels. What do you think is a better fit? <This choice is yours to make.  The Red Coris is not reef compatible. Your inhabitants will outgrow the 90 gallon tank and I would not be thinking of adding more fish such as the angels you mention.  The Red Coris, under aquarium conditions can grow 6 to 8".  Specimens in nature can exceed one foot.  Lionfish can attain a length of one foot with the Tuskfish reaching 10 inches.> Thank you for you time and opinions <You're welcome.  James (Salty Dog)> Your enthused saltwater hobbyist Josh Schiff

Wrasse Compatibility  - 06/02/2006 I have a 75 gallon tank that has been cycling for 6 months with 4 blue reef Chromis.  I just added an adult Coris gaimard to the tank and from that point on I was simply amazed at the beauty that these fish possess.   <A gorgeous fish indeed.> They just beat out tangs as my favorite fish in the sea.  I was wondering however if it would be ok to mix this Coris gaimard with a Halichoeres ornatissimus?  And also how these fish would be with inverts (cleaner shrimp) and soft corals? <Dave, an adult Coris is an aggressive fish while the Ornate or Christmas Wrasse is rather docile.  Would be a gamble.  Both are not safe with ornamental shrimp and most inverts including fanworms, small hermits, and snails.  The Coris is not safe with corals while the Ornate Wrasse reportedly is.  Keep in mind that wrasses do need a fine sand bed in which to burrow. Thanks! <You're welcome.  James (Salty Dog)> Dave

Compatibility/Wrasses/Coris Gaimard   2/23/06 Hello WWM Crew, <Hello Paul> First off, I just want to say thank you for all the time and effort you put into responding to these questions/e-mails. <You're welcome>  Anyways, I currently have a 55 gal tank with 3-4 inch sandy bottom with about 40 lbs of live rock.  The tank is stocked with: Two Clown Fish (each ~3 in. the other about 4 in.) One Coral Beauty Angelfish ( 4 in.) Two Yellow-tailed Damsels (one about 1.5 in. the other about 1 in.) One other fish that I'm not too sure what it is (given to me by a friend), but its about 3 in., yellow and not aggressive at all (just constantly swims back and forth in the tank) One Pulsating Xenia One Leather Toadstool Two Mushroom Polyps (Green Ricordea) One Black Sea Cucumber (about 5-6 in.) ~ 20 Hermit Crabs ~ 10 Turbo Snails ~ 20 Nassarius Snails Recently I ordered a beautiful Adult Coris gaimard (3-4 in.) (aka Red Coris Wrasse) that should be arriving shortly.  I read these fish need room to grow, and I plan on upgrading the tank sometime in the near future.  I also saw that they are notoriously difficult to acclimate, but I have had good past experiences with the shipper and acclimation so I'm not too concerned with the acclimation.  I also read that most of my inverts (my cleaning crew) will be eaten within a few months by the wrasse, and while foraging for inverts the wrasse will knock over the rocks the corals are attached to. My questions are:  One: should I remove any of my current fish to avoid conflicts with the wrasse or to avoid overstocking? <The wrasse should get along with the fish you have and think you would be overstocking the tank with the addition of the wrasse.> Two: will the wrasse pick on my cucumber? <A very good chance he will.> (I wouldn't want to wake up to a dead cucumber in the morning, along with every other fish!)  Three:  are there any good alternatives for a   cleaning crew that would be compatible with the wrasse? <In nature the Coris will eat shelled mollusks including hermit crabs, urchins, tunicates.  Snails will be picked on.> Four: will the wrasse pick on any of my corals? <A chance.  This wrasse is not an ideal candidate for a reef tank so any inverts may be at risk here.>  Finally: any good ideas for a method to prevent the coral from being toppled over? <Glue it to the rock with reef safe epoxy.> (I was thinking to attach the rocks the corals are growing on via rubber bands to the larger live rocks in the tank, or maybe something like that.)  Any help/advice you could offer would be more than appreciated!  
<Paul, why would you order a fish already knowing what may be destroyed in your tank.  Doesn't make sense to me.> Thanks You, <You're welcome.  James (Salty Dog)> Paul

Wrasse vs. Damsel  - 01/09/2006 Hello WetWeb crew, <Hello Jeff> Please bear with me! I've got a few quick questions regarding my Coris gaimard.  I've got a 55 gallon with 40 lbs of LR and 5 gallon refugium.  Current inhabitants are the wrasse, a yellow-tailed damsel, and a chocolate chip star.
<This may be picked on by the wrasse.>  I've had the wrasse for over a year.  He's happy and healthy.  I've had the damsel for even longer.   I keep getting differing info on tank requirements for the wrasse.  Is 55 big enough?
<Recommendations are 100 gallon.  The Coris can attain a length of up to 1'2" in the wild but captive specimens generally grow to 8".> Second) Today, I saw an injury on the damsel. I also saw the damsel hitting the wrasse with its tail. <Normal behavior for the damsel.> I imagine that the damsel is the aggressor (He has a history of murder),<They can be nasty.> but is it possible that it is the wrasse?
<The Coris can be aggressive also.>
I ask because the damsel is the one with the injury. I want to add a few more fish.  I will be removing the damsel.  Any suggestions for compatible fish? I want to add 1 or 2 small to medium sized fish with a flame angel last.  Is this ok or too much for the tank? <OK for now but as that wrasse grows you will need to upsize your tank.> Sorry for the many questions, but I've become very confused by some contradicting information and some people at my LFS who I think are more concerned with selling fish than helping me out. <Any other  LFS's in your area?.  Keep in mind that the wrasse does much better with a sandy bottom which it can burrow in for the night.  As they grow they are pretty good at getting hermits out of their shell and eating such along with many other shelled mollusks.> Thanks for the help <You're welcome.  James (Salty Dog)> ~Jeff

Red Coris versus Pistol Shrimp Hi again, <Hello there> Red Coris versus Pistol Shrimp.... who will win? <My money's nine to one on the Coris... as a matter of fact, I was just down at Kuhaluu Beach a few days back turning stones over to see what there was to see... and a beautiful pistol shrimp was under one... I whipped my camera around... but too late... A Coris gaimard that was following me about, to see what there was to see under the rocks this crazy "bi-fin" was turning, snapped it right up!> There's a Pistol Shrimp hiding out in my 130 litre tank... I'd rather he packed his bags and left, but I'm not game to try to evict him.... and for 6 months he hasn't caused anyone any trouble (to my absolute knowledge).  I - stupidly - believed everything I was told yesterday at the LFS - must have had 'sucker' written on my forehead - and came home with a 4cm Coris Gaimard. He's currently hiding under the marine sand... now I've researched him on your site - thank God for decent information - and realize the task ahead of me to keep him happy. (I've also just suffered the loss of a favourite seahorse in the other tank due to massive bad information from this LFS... so very sad today.) <Live and hopefully learn> Meantime - is the Pistol Shrimp a threat to him? <Doubtful> Also - is he a threat to the other tankmates: anemone and pair of clowns; 1 damsel; 1 flame angel; 1 canary wrasse; 1 blenny (he looks most like your picture of Salarias fasciatus, I asked for a bi-colour to eat the algae and was told he would do the same job); 1 sea cucumber (also bought yesterday).  <Mmm, only time will tell... but I give you very good odds for many months that they'll all get along> Should I try to return him to the LFS? Thanks for your help. Regards, Wendy <Cheers, Bob Fenner>
Re: Red Coris versus Pistol Shrimp  Well!! Today I found the blenny dead. A black spiky critter looming up from the sandbed. I thought - wow - the Coris was quick to get that Shrimp, but when I pulled him out it was the blenny. Not mangled, or beaten up, no chunks out of him that I could see. But he had changed colour and had stiffened into a neat 'S' shape.... like frozen in time. Anyway... if the Red Coris was the culprit... wouldn't he have made the blenny dinner? If that's not the case and you think the Coris did it... do I return the Coris while the LFS is willing to take him back?  <Very likely the dead fish would be consumed, at least chewed by the Coris if it was the cause of its death>  Also... funny how these things happen together. ... today I was offered a Mandarin Dragnet. I said I'd never try to keep one BUT this guy is eating frozen and has been kept happily by a friend for 18 months ( she's closing up her tanks, silly girl thinks traveling the world will be more fun) so this seems a good deal. BUT what's the chances of it surviving with a Red Coris in the tank?  <Not good. Too busy company, too much competition for food. I would not mix these two>  I also have a seahorse tank with a diamond watchman goby and a shrimp goby (minus the shrimp). Should I keep the Mandarin with them?  <Much more likely chance of success here>  Thanks Crew! I had no-one else to ask!! W  <Be chatting, Bob Fenner>
Re: Red Coris versus Pistol Shrimp Thanks! Maybe the God of marine creatures was helping me after all... the little red may solve the pistol dilemma.  Lots of smiles Thanks.  Wendy <You're generating them here! Bob Fenner>

Coris wrasse on Pyramidellid snails hey, thanks for answering my question.  By the way, I have another question.. I hope you will answer it to. How good is Coris gaimard in eating Pyramidellid snails? Do you know its rate of feeding? per minute or per hour? if you don't know, I hope you can give me an approximate. I'm just curious. Thanks to all of you! more power! God Bless! <Raf> < again Coris wrasse not your best choice for removing the snail. Coris wrasse may eat them  but not for sure. Better off with Sixline or fourline Later MikeH>
Re: Coris wrasse on Pyramidellid snails hi. thanks for bearing with all my questions. but I have one more to ask, what I'm trying to actually do is to know the feeding rates of these wrasses on any food that they eat (not specifically Pyrams, since u said that it's not a good choice). do u have any idea as to what the trend in terms of feeding do theses fishes have. any rough estimate to how quick they can consume a certain amount of food within a given time frame. thanks a lot for all the help:) <depends on how hungry the fish is, how big the fish is, what kind of food it is, is it living in the wild or in  captivity there are to many things to give you even a ballpark answer Thanks Mike H>

Red Coris wrasse Good Morning all...I hope this day finds your tanks healthy, <<and you as well>> I bought a Red Coris (juvenile Yellow tail) wrasse. I watched this little guy about (3 inches) in the LFS for over two weeks in a quarantine tank, the owner was kind enough to leave him in there for me all by his lonesome since I had taken down my QT tank because I didn't plan on adding any fish to my tank. I have a Pseudochromis Paccagnellae and a Chrysiptera Cyanea in a 45 gallon fish only tank. I watched him eat and swim normally in the QT tank, he was in there for a total of three weeks, my LFS QT's all fish for one week before moving them to his for sale display tanks. Well now that I have him at home in my tank it has been about two weeks, he is not acting right... He spends the entire day swimming up and down in the right front corner of my tank up down up down all day its enough to make a person nuts. and I have read a few articles that say juveniles of this species are difficult to keep alive, can you tell me why? <<Most are lost to mis-care, or collective trauma from collection, shipping, holding, and delivery to your home.>> he is eating but not as well as my other fish, and the Pseudochromis doesn't seem to appreciate him being in the tank at all, what a nasty little bugger. <<This is not at all uncommon for a Dottyback - very mean for such a small fish.>> I have added a few inches of soft material for the wrasse to burrow into in the corner which he did find and uses nightly or when ever frightened, The other fish have not physically hurt him in any way no torn fins... not breathing hard, just not eating as well as I think he should and up down up down all stinking day...he does seem thin to me...and I have never seen him flair his tail open it is always gathered...the other two fish in this tank have been in there for a long time I moved the decor around as to upset territory and the wrasse has his sand bed to hide in ...I have tried several kinds of food I feed my fish a variety of foods he just nibbles on a few pieces, while the other two greedily gobble up what ever is offered. Any clues?.... Cherri Thanks in advance for your response! <<Cherri, there are some clues... first the Dottyback. I would re-consider keeping this fish; they're just too mean to keep anything else with them, and it could very well bother your Coris to death. Next the tank itself is a little small - a typical Coris wrasse will reach at least 8" and some as much as a foot, and all this at a very rapid pace. You will want to consider a larger system in the near future. As for the feeding and quarantine, even though this fella was quarantined at the store, you should still keep incoming fish in a separate tank to give them time to adjust to you and your feeding practices without other fish hassling them. As for feeding, the fact the wrasse is not eating a lot is not a good sign but not reason to give up hope - these fish are greedy eaters, and not typically picky about their food in the least. In fact, with a healthy Coris, you should be concerned that the other tank inhabitants get a chance to eat. With that said, you should really be throwing the kitchen sink at this fish in an attempt to create some better interest in food - perhaps you don't have the fave. If you haven't you might try Mysis, shrimp, clams, squid - I think you'll have some better luck. Lastly, it's only been two weeks since you introduced this fish, and in my opinion it usually takes a month or more for a new fish to feel comfortable in a new system. Give this article a read: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes/wrasses/Coris/gaimard.htm Cheers, J -- >>

Coris Gaimard for Reef, Bull for Ceramics Store Good evening, <good morning <G>> Question re Coris Gaimard, Adult. I have a 120 gal reef tank with a few soft corals a mushroom and about 130 pounds of live rock. I want a Coris Gaimard, it's one of the fish I had my eye on when I set up the tank, but for whatever reason, what appears to be the balance of opinion regarding this fishes non-reef compatibility did not register. <wow... it would be hard to pick a much worse fish... at least a corallivore will impose a quick death to the polyps it consumes... heehee... big Coris species simply torture and wreak havoc, leaving each and every upended coral to suffer a slow, miserable and mucous death upside down on the seafloor> Can you tell me why this fish is not considered reef-safe  <for starters... they get enormous, topping off at a hefty foot in length (and active: needing a seriously huge tank if it will not be made to suffer)... and more importantly, they pick up and carry corals, and flip them over constantly and daily in their endless pursuit of crustaceans under "rock". For LPS Scleractinians... this can mean death by infection with the first tear in tissue... and death for all coral forcibly lain "face"/tissue down for hours. That is... assuming the formidable rasping death don't impose sufficient tears in tender coral flesh over time from repetition before the animal succeeds in flipping the coral "rock"> whatever that means for a fish which comes from the reef in the first place)?  <I don't follow you line of logic? Parrotfish and coral polyp feeding Butterflyfish also come from a reef... and yet they are not reef aquarium safe, my friend <smile>. And on a reef, Coris are flipping over rock and rubble by and large... the corals we keep in aquaria were often broken away from a fixed point on the reef and can now be tossed by a wrasse... but it would rarely happen to that extent in the wild... rubble not coral> And what the disadvantages/limitations of attempting to keep this species will be? <it a great and hardy fish for a fish only display. My advice is to buy a nice three hundred gallon tank for the purpose and enjoy a Coris <G>. If you need family or spousal approval... just say that Anthony said it was OK> Many thanks, Jordon <best regards, Anthony>

New addition Dear Anthony, <Cheers, Thanassis> after a month of problems with Oodinium, high Nitrite due to the copper, etc., I now have my aquarium relaxed again , and very important: no fish lost. <all very good to hear> I am reminding you the fish composition of my tank: 1 Acanthurus Lineatus (10 cm) 1 Blue Tang (7 cm) 1 Apolemichthys xanthotis (9 cm) 1 Gramma Loreto (6 cm) 1 Damsel (Chromis Xanthurus) (4 cm) I now want to have a Coris Gaimard Wrasse, 12 cm, which I saw yesterday.  <Hmmm.... a beautiful fish but gets large and quite rowdy. Will outright eat the Gramma and damsel eventually> It just arrived in my dealer's shop and in order to avoid problems I told my dealer that I will be away for 5 days and when I come back I would like to buy it. I have read some articles about this fish and I have the following questions: - Is it good to put it for 3 days in my aquarium with my glass separator? Of course I will take care for good aeration and water circulation within the area of the separator. I have heard the theory that within 3 days the fish will in a way "get the smell" of my aquarium, so the other tankmates will not attack him when the separator is taken away. <a separate isolation tank would be much better. "getting the smell" of the display tank is not as important as screening for disease and letting the fish get acclimated to your foods and feeding schedule> - This fish likes to bury in the sand. I have a gravel of 1/2 inch. Is it right to add some coral sand n a corner ? Will it be a problem with anaerobic bacteria? <this fish needs a very deep bed of fine sand several inched thick and will make quite a snowstorm every time it decides to bury itself. I don't think you will be able to avoid this need easily if you have hope for it to behave naturally and survive a long time> - If I give him a freshwater dip before I put him into my aquarium, what is the right procedure to acclimate the fish?  <The FW dip is good but be forewarned that wrasses respond quite stressfully to it and it will try to jump out of the bucket feverishly> I usually add some water from my aquarium every five minutes into the plastic bag that contains the fish and after 20 minutes I net the fish and drop it in my tank. What should I do in the case that I first want to make a freshwater dip with Methylene Blue? Basically, temp and pH adjust some dechlorinated freshwater, aerate, and place fish in for 3-5 minutes minimum. 10-15 minutes with known hardy species... see more info here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/dips_baths.htm> Best regards, Thanassis <kindly, Anthony>

Coris Gaimard Dear Bob, First of all, I'd really like to thank you for all the advise you have given me and everyone else. I read your Q & A's daily and it's been such a great help! <Ah, great to read> I know this is silly but I just felt I had to tell you, I saw for the first time today at the Aquarium Store in Concord, a Coris Gaimard! He had just arrived in a bag and they were unpacking him. I BOUGHT HIM !!!...and they are holding him for a week for me, thanks to your advice. You are absolutely right, he's gorgeous! I'm So Excited! I've patiently been patrolling three LFS for five months and he is the first I've seen and a fine looking specimen at that. <A very good looking species> My only concern, Bob, is my damsels. I have the original 7 from when I first cycled my 90 gal tank. The only other occupants are my 6 inch Puffer and my 4 inch Huma Huma. <Good choices as tankmates...> The damsels were unmerciful when I added the Huma but after several hours eventually backed off. Do you think I should remove them, (I kind of hate too, as I've become fond of them too) or do you think the Coris Gaimard Wrasse will be able to fend for himself? <Do give all a chance... Coris gaimards are tough fishes... able to move quickly, duck under the sand... and bite back... they know what damsels are and are able to hold their own> He's not a juvenile, he has great vibrant dark blue color with yellow spots, red fins, yellow tail and is about 5 inches long. As always, your advise is much appreciated, especially recommending this fab fish. Thanks, Jennifer <Do try them together... at a time when you can be present... move the decor a bit, feed the tank... ahead of releasing your new wrasse. Bob Fenner>

Red Coris, comp. Dear Sir, I bought a juvenile (near adult) red Coris (C. gaimard)( 6 cm) last week. I read a lot of articles about it but there were a lot of dilemmas. I know it is not good for a reef aquarium but I have got some anemones and a few big shrimp. I read it is not suitable for an aquarium when they are adult. Please send some information and your comments. Best wishes from Tkiye. Dr. der BOZDON.  >> Do take a look on our site re this species... and I would remove it now, before it consumes your shrimp: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/corisgaimard.htm Bob Fenner

Red Coris wrasse, comp. Bob, Do you think the red Coris wrasse is reef safe? Or do I have to worry about him eating my clams etc.. Any help would be great. Thanks, Chris  >> Unfortunately, this animal (Coris gaimard) is definitely NOT reef safe.... gets too big (over a foot in captivity) and rambunctious (digging, eating wise) for such systems. Look for another, smaller, easier going wrasse species... Much info. on our site re your choices. Bob Fenner