Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Reef Compatible: With Caution

General Description: The Pixie Coris Wrasse, also known as the Blackstripe Coris Wrasse, are native to the Indo-West Pacific Region from the Philippines south to Australia. Like all wrasses in the genus Coris, the Pixie coris wrasse absolutely requires a medium to fine sandy substrate in order to be able to bury themselves at night for protection or if felt threatened during daylight. In fact, it is very common for your newly introduced wrasse to immediately bury themselves once released into the aquarium. Following suit of their other common name, this wrasse has a wide black stripe across its dorsal side while it is otherwise mostly white below. Little is known about the Pixie coris wrasse in the home aquarium, as it has been seldomly seen in the trade. Adults reach a size of approximately 6″.

Diet Requirements: Pixie coris wrasses are carnivores. A diet consisting of various meaty preparations such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, mussels, clams, krill and other mixed frozen foods that contain algae, such as spirulina, will maintain optimal health and coloration. We highly encourage soaking frozen foods in vitamin and fatty acid supplements, as these wrasses have very high metabolisms. Batu coris wrasses will also accept high quality flake or pellet foods, which is great for nutritional gaps and variety.

Care Requirements: An established, minimum 75 gallon aquarium with a 4-5″ sandbed at the very least is needed for a Pixie coris wrasse. However, the tank may need to be upgraded accordingly as it matures. A tight fitting lid is a must because these wrasses are known to jump out of aquariums. Pixie coris wrasses enjoy a variety of rock work and crevices to swim through and around while they actively hunt, but make sure to leave some open sandbed space for burying. While the Pixie coris wrasse will not harm corals, it is to be added “with caution” into a reef aquarium because it will likely eat various members of a reef clean-up crew including crabs and shrimp. A Pixie coris wrasse would make an excellent addition to a fish only with live rock aquarium, and with other tank mates that are somewhat energetic but not overly aggressive, such as certain triggerfish, angelfish, tangs, damsels and gobies. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.

Purchase Size: Small: 3″ to 4″; Medium: 4-1/4″ to 5″; Large: 5-1/4″ to 6″

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.