Common name: Spottail coris

General information

The Tailspot Coris, Coris caudimacula, is a vibrant and active fish species that adds both color and personality to a saltwater aquarium. It is known for its distinctive tail spot and the striking coloration that changes dramatically from juvenile to adult stages. Juveniles exhibit a bright orange body with white stripes and a black spot on the caudal fin, while adults develop a greenish-blue body with orange to red stripes and a more pronounced tail spot.

Care

Tailspot Coris are moderately easy to care for but require a spacious tank with plenty of hiding places and a sandy substrate for burrowing. They are known to be jumpers, so a well-fitted aquarium lid is essential. These wrasses are carnivorous and should be fed a varied diet of meaty foods, including frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood.

Reproduction

In the wild, Coris caudimacula are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start life as females and can change to males as they mature. Breeding in captivity is rare, but if conditions are right, they may spawn. The male will perform a courtship dance to attract a female, and if successful, they will release eggs and sperm into the water column for external fertilization.

Habitat

Tailspot Coris are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They inhabit coral reefs and rocky areas, often seen at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 30 meters. They are adept at navigating through crevices and rubble, using their slender bodies to hunt for small invertebrates.