Sandeyer Wrasse

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Inhabits the temperate and subtropical waters of the Southwest Pacific, including eastern Australia, New Zealand, and Lord Howe Island. Found on rocky and sandy reefs down to 40 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Belongs to the family Labridae, genus Coris. Features an elongated body and pointed head. Reaches a maximum length of 25 cm.

Social Behavior: Active, diurnal swimmer. Juveniles sometimes behave as cleaner fish. Adults are solitary and spend time searching the substrate, flipping debris for food.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Juveniles have a dark horizontal band on a light background. Spawning males undergo dramatic color changes, displaying green-blue bodies with a yellow/orange collar behind the head.

Aquarium Setup: Demands a large tank of at least 400 liters. A deep, fine sand bed (at least 8 cm) is required for burying. Secure lid is essential as they are known jumpers.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivorous. Feeds on hard-shelled invertebrates like mollusks and crabs. In captivity, feed large krill, chopped shrimp, clams, and quality pellets.

Water Quality: Requires cooler water temperatures between 16-22 °C, pH 8.1-8.4, and salinity SG 1.020-1.025. High water quality and oxygenation are key.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Semi-aggressive. Not safe with ornamental crustaceans, small snails, or tiny fish. Keep only with similarly robust tankmates.

Aquarium Breeding: Protogynous hermaphrodite. Pelagic spawners. Spawning in home aquaria has not been documented.

Risks and Diseases: Prone to skin abrasions and bacterial infections if kept with sharp substrates. Susceptible to poor water quality.