Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Reef Compatible: With Caution

General Description: The Twin Spot Coris Wrasse, also known as the Clown Coris Wrasse, is native to the Indian Ocean. Like all wrasses in the genus Coris, the Twin spot 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. Juvenile Twin spot coris wrasses have a white to cream colored body with black speckles on its face and a pair of black and orange spots near and on its dorsal fin. A Twin spot coris wrasse will lose these markings as it matures into an adult, though only juvenile specimens are typically offered in the hobby. Little is known about the size a Twin spot coris wrasse can reach in aquaria, though in the wild they are reported to reach a size of approximately 24″.

Diet Requirements: Twin spot 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. Twin spot 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 juvenile Twin spot 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. Twin spot 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 Twin spot 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, urchins and shrimp. As Twin spot coris wrasses get larger, they are capable of flipping small rocks over in search of food. A Twin spot coris wrasse would make an excellent addition to a fish only with live rock aquarium, and with other tank mates that match its energetic and bold disposition such as triggerfish, pufferfish, larger angelfish, and tangs. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.

Purchase Size: Juvenile Small: 1-3/4″ to 3″; Medium: 3-1/4″ to 4-1/2″

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