Common name: red wrasse

General information

The Queen Coris, Coris formosa, is a strikingly beautiful and active fish that adds both color and personality to a marine aquarium. It is known for its vibrant coloration, which includes a bright orange body with blue to purple stripes and a distinctive black spot on the dorsal fin. Juveniles exhibit a different color pattern, with white bodies and black spots, which gradually changes as they mature.

This species is often appreciated for its bold behavior and can be a centerpiece in a larger fish-only or mixed reef aquarium. However, it's important to note that the Queen Coris can grow quite large and may become territorial, especially towards smaller or similarly shaped fish.

Care

Queen Coris requires a spacious aquarium with plenty of swimming room and rockwork for hiding. They are known to be jumpers, so a tightly fitting lid or screen is essential to prevent escape. This species is not considered reef-safe, as it may prey on small invertebrates and disturb the substrate, which can be problematic for coral placement.

A varied diet of meaty foods such as frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and chopped seafood, supplemented with high-quality marine pellets and flakes, will help maintain their health and coloration. Regular feeding and a well-maintained environment are key to keeping these fish thriving.

Reproduction

In the wild, Queen Coris are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start life as females and can change to males as they mature. Breeding in captivity is rare, and little is known about their reproductive habits in home aquariums.

Habitat

Native to the Indo-Pacific region, Queen Coris are found in a variety of habitats, including lagoons, coral-rich areas, and seaward reefs. They are typically seen at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 30 meters.

Their natural distribution spans from the eastern coast of Africa, across the Indian Ocean, to the western Pacific, including the Red Sea, South Africa, and the Great Barrier Reef.