Description
Clown Wrasse (Coris gaimard)
Overview
The Clown Wrasse is a vibrant and active reef fish known for its stunning juvenile coloration—bright orange with striking blue and white spots—which gradually transforms into bold green, blue, and red patterns as it matures. Highly energetic and hardy, this species is a captivating centerpiece for larger marine aquariums and helps control small invertebrates.
Origin
Native to the Indo-Pacific, including the Red Sea, Great Barrier Reef, and Indonesia, Coris gaimard inhabits coral reefs and sandy slopes where it actively forages for crustaceans, worms, and mollusks.
Feeding
A carnivore that thrives on frozen mysis, brine shrimp, chopped seafood, and high-quality marine pellets. Feed 2–3 times daily to maintain activity and vivid coloration. A sand bed is essential for burrowing at night.
Tank Mates
Best kept with robust tank mates such as tangs, angels, groupers, and larger wrasses. Avoid small ornamental crustaceans or overly delicate fish, as they may be seen as prey.
Aggression
Semi-aggressive. Adults can be territorial toward smaller wrasses or similar-shaped fish. Provide ample swimming space, live rock, and a deep sand bed for burrowing.
Experience Level
Recommended for intermediate to advanced aquarists. Requires a large, mature system (minimum 120 gallons) with stable water parameters and a sand substrate.
Water Parameters
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Temperature: 75°F – 81°F (24°C – 27°C)
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Salinity: 1.020 – 1.025 SG
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pH: 8.1 – 8.4
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Alkalinity: 8 – 12 dKH
Colorful, hardy, and full of personality, the Clown Wrasse is a lively addition to large marine aquariums, offering both visual appeal and natural pest-control behavior.
