Wrasse African Coris - Medium Juvenile

Wrasse African Coris

If you're looking to add a burst of shifting colour and bold personality to your marine setup, the West African Coris is a show-stopping wrasse that grows more striking with age. Also known as the African Coris or African wrasse, this species starts life in bright juvenile colours and undergoes a dramatic transformation into a vivid adult with a strong personality and presence. Popular among advanced hobbyists and reef keepers with fish-only setups, this wrasse is a rewarding choice when given the space and environment it needs.

Juveniles of the West African Coris are absolutely stunning, displaying a deep red-orange body with clear white spots down the back and a white belly. As they mature, these colours completely shift, and adults develop a powerful green-blue body with electric blue facial markings and a contrasting black-and-orange tail fin. This colour change is among the most spectacular in the marine world. Known for their active swimming and constant interaction with the substrate, these wrasses are strong diggers and will often bury themselves in the sand to sleep or hide. They are intelligent, bold, and will often become a centrepiece pet in the tank, even recognising their keeper.

Sexing African Coris wrasses can be difficult when they are young, as males and females often look very similar. Like many wrasses, they are known to undergo sex changes during their lifetime, with dominant individuals developing into males. In the wild, they spawn in open water where eggs are released into the current and fertilised externally. Breeding this species in captivity is rare due to the specialised conditions required for their pelagic larval stage.

Tank Recommendations for Your Wrasse African Coris

African Coris wrasses grow relatively large and require spacious marine aquariums. A minimum tank size of 400 litres is recommended for long-term care, as these fish are extremely active swimmers. A sandy substrate is highly recommended, as this species will often bury itself in the sand when resting or when startled. Plenty of live rock structures should also be included in the aquarium to provide shelter and natural grazing surfaces. Moderate to strong water movement, along with stable marine parameters, will help replicate their natural reef environment.

Suitable Tank Buddies

African Coris wrasses are generally peaceful with similarly sized marine fish but may prey on very small invertebrates.

Usually Compatible

Tangs, angelfish, larger clownfish, and other robust reef fish.

Sometimes Compatible

Other wrasses or semi-aggressive marine fish in larger aquariums.

Rarely Compatible

Small shrimp, crabs, or very small fish, which may be eaten.

Feeding Your Wrasse African Coris

African Coris wrasses are carnivorous and will eagerly accept a wide variety of marine foods. High-quality marine pellets and frozen foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and chopped seafood work very well. Because they are active hunters, they benefit from a varied diet that includes both prepared and frozen foods. Feeding once or twice daily will help maintain their health and strong colouration.