All fish / Labridae

Queen Coris

Coris formosa

Also known as queen wrasse, formosa wrasse, african coris, clown coris, queen coris wrasse, coris formosa, ホンソメワケベラ, 美丽盔鱼, 皇后龙

Juveniles are orange with bold white saddles edged in black, while adults turn deep green-blue with dark spots and a pale tail band. It is kept for its striking colour change and active, inquisitive behaviour in large fish-only systems.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

30 cm

Temperature

23 to 27 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

700 litres

Keep as

Keep singly

Diet

Carnivore: mysis, krill, chopped seafood, small crustaceans and quality marine pellets

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 10 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Western Indian Ocean and Red Sea to Sri Lanka

Breeding

It is a protogynous hermaphrodite that spawns in open water, with females able to change into males. Captive breeding is not achieved in home aquariums.

Good to know

Grows large and will eat snails, crabs, shrimps and small fish, so it is not reef safe. Needs a deep sand bed for burying at night and a tight lid as it can jump.