Yellowtail Coris - Coris gaimard

Yellowtail Coris (Coris gaimard)

The Yellowtail Coris is a striking and highly active marine wrasse known for the dramatic transformation it undergoes from juvenile to adult. Juveniles display bold red-orange colouration with contrasting white and black markings, while adults develop a much larger, more robust body with green, blue and reddish tones and a distinctive yellow tail. Attractive and full of character, this species becomes a powerful predator as it matures and requires a large, established marine aquarium with ample swimming space and a deep sandy substrate.

Common Name:
Yellowtail Coris, African Coris

Scientific Name (Latin):
Coris gaimard

Maximum Size:
Approximately 40 cm

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Yellowtail Coris occurs across the Pacific, from Christmas and Cocos-Keeling Islands eastwards to the Society and Tuamotu Islands, north to Japan and the Hawaiian Islands and south to Australia.

It inhabits exposed outer reef flats, lagoons and seaward reefs, particularly areas containing mixed coral, sand and rubble, from shallow water down to approximately 50 metres.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Nitrate: Low and stable
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

Temperament:
Semi-Aggressive / Predatory

The Yellowtail Coris is generally solitary in the wild and becomes increasingly assertive and predatory as it matures.

It is best housed with robust marine fish that are too large to be viewed as prey. Small, timid species and ornamental invertebrates are poor companions for mature individuals.

Diet:
Carnivore / Predatory

In nature, the Yellowtail Coris feeds mainly on molluscs, crabs, hermit crabs and other benthic invertebrates.

In the aquarium, offer a varied carnivorous diet including frozen mysis, krill, chopped prawn, mussel, cockle, squid and other suitably sized marine foods. Quality carnivore pellets can also be offered once established.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 750 litres

With an adult length of around 40 cm and an energetic swimming style, the Yellowtail Coris requires substantial open swimming space together with extensive rockwork and a suitable sand bed.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Yellowtail Coris is an active daytime wrasse that spends considerable time swimming over reef structure and searching the substrate for prey.

It is naturally associated with mixed coral, rubble and sandy environments and is generally solitary.

Like many Coris wrasses, it requires a deep bed of fine sand where it can bury itself when sleeping, frightened or stressed.

Adults are powerful fish and may overturn loose pieces of rock, rubble or unsecured coral while searching for food.

A tightly fitted aquarium lid is essential, as large wrasses are accomplished jumpers.

Reef Safe:
Not Reef Safe

The Yellowtail Coris should not be considered reef safe with ornamental invertebrates.

Its natural diet includes molluscs, crabs and hermit crabs, so ornamental shrimp, snails, hermit crabs and other mobile invertebrates are likely to be investigated or consumed as the fish matures.

Although it does not primarily feed on coral tissue, its powerful foraging behaviour can also disturb unsecured coral pieces and reef structures.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
This species should only be purchased with its substantial adult size and predatory behaviour fully considered.

Provide a large, mature aquarium with extensive open swimming room, secure rockwork and a deep bed of fine sand.

Avoid coarse or sharp substrates, as the fish repeatedly buries itself to sleep and escape perceived danger.

Rockwork should be positioned securely because mature individuals are strong enough to move loose rubble and small decorative pieces while hunting.

Tankmates should be robust and suitably large. Ornamental crustaceans and molluscs should be regarded as potential prey.

Juveniles look dramatically different from adults, and the colour transformation with age is one of the most distinctive characteristics of the species. Mature individuals develop the characteristic yellow caudal fin associated with the Yellowtail Coris name.

Suitable for:
Experienced

Availability:
Availability can vary depending on season, collection area and supplier.

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.