Common name: Mediterranean rainbow wrasse
General information
The Mediterranean Rainbow Wrasse, Coris julis, is a small, colorful member of the wrasse family that is popular among marine aquarists. This species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males displaying more vibrant colors than females. Juveniles and females are primarily greenish with a dark stripe running along the body, while males develop a blue head, orange body, and green stripes as they mature.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 200 liter (53 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 20 to 24 °C (68 to 75 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 25 cm (10″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Can be territorial; needs hiding spots.
- Diet
- Omnivore Varied diet; accepts flakes and frozen food.
- Social
- Solo Best kept alone to avoid aggression.
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May chase smaller fish.
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerciformesPerciformes
- FamilyWrassesLabridae
- GenusWrasseCoris
- SpeciesMediterranean rainbow wrasseCoris julis (Linnaeus, 1758)
- SynonymsCoris festiva (Valenciennes, 1839)Coris speciosa (Risso, 1827)Coris taeniatus Steindachner, 1863Julis azorensis Fowler, 1919Julis festiva Valenciennes, 1839Julis julis (Linnaeus, 1758)Julis mediterranea Risso, 1827Julis mediterranea veridula Risso, 1827Julis melanura Lowe, 1839Julis speciosa Risso, 1827Julis vulgaris Fleming, 1828Julis vulgaris Valenciennes, 1843Labrus cettii Rafinesque, 1810Labrus giofredi Risso, 1810Labrus infuscus Walbaum, 1792Labrus julis Linnaeus, 1758Labrus keslik Lacepède, 1801Labrus paroticus Linnaeus, 1758Labrus perdica Forsskål, 1775Labrus subfuscus Bloch & Schneider, 1801
Care
Rainbow Wrasses are active swimmers and require an aquarium with plenty of swimming space and rockwork for hiding. They are generally peaceful but can be territorial towards other wrasses. A varied diet of meaty foods, such as mysis shrimp and finely chopped seafood, will help maintain their health and coloration.
Reproduction
In the wild, Coris julis is a protogynous hermaphrodite, meaning individuals start life as females and can change to males as they grow. In the aquarium, breeding is rare, but providing a stress-free environment with multiple hiding places can encourage natural behaviors.
Habitat
The Mediterranean Rainbow Wrasse is native to the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic Ocean, from Portugal to Angola, including the Canary Islands and Cape Verde. They inhabit rocky and seagrass areas, often seen darting among the rocks in search of food.