Gold-lined Wrasse

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Southwest Pacific, restricted to the southern Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea. Found on shallow reefs and sand-associated rocky zones at depths of 1 to 15 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the family Labridae. Features an elongated body characteristic of Coris. Grows to a maximum length of 14 cm.

Social Behavior: Active and territorial. Males will chase other wrasses, especially of similar color or shape. Swims constantly.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Body is dark green to blue-green, with several distinct golden-orange horizontal stripes. Caudal fin is yellow with blue margins. Males are more intensely colored than females.

Aquarium Setup: Minimum aquarium size of 250 liters. A sand bed of fine grain (5 cm deep) is crucial for sleeping and hiding. Tank must have a secure cover.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivore. Feeds on small benthic invertebrates. Provide frozen mysis, enriched artemia, chopped clams, and pellets. Feed three times daily.

Water Quality: Requires stable marine parameters. Maintain temperature at 22-26°C, pH 8.1-8.4, and salinity at SG 1.020-1.025.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Safe with corals but may consume small ornamental shrimp and crabs. Keep with active tankmates like tangs and dwarf angelfish.

Aquarium Breeding: Extremely rare in captivity. Pelagic spawners.

Risks and Diseases: High jumping risk. Keeping this species without fine sand causes physical stress, snout injuries, and sleep disruption.