Description of Coris caudimacula (Spot-tail Coris)
- Scientific Name: Coris caudimacula
- Common Names: Spot-tail Coris, Spot-tail Wrasse
This species of wrasse is native to the Western Atlantic, primarily found in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. It's known for its distinctive coloration and playful behavior.
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Coloration: The Spot-tail Coris has a striking color pattern. Its body is typically greenish with yellowish or bluish accents, and it has a prominent dark spot on the tail fin, from which its common name derives. Juveniles are often more vibrant in color with a light yellowish to orange hue, and their appearance can shift as they mature.
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Size: Adults can reach about 8 inches (20 cm) in length, although most are seen smaller in home aquariums.
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Shape: Like most wrasses, Coris caudimacula has a slender, elongated body, ideal for maneuvering around rocks and coral reefs.
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Behavior: Spot-tail Coris are generally peaceful and inquisitive fish, though they can be somewhat territorial, particularly when first introduced to the tank. They’re active swimmers and often engage in behaviors like "cleaning" other fish, nibbling off parasites, and scouring the substrate for small invertebrates.
Care and Maintenance of Coris caudimacula
Tank Setup
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Minimum Tank Size: Given their active nature, a 55-gallon tank is the minimum recommended size for a single adult, although larger tanks (75 gallons or more) will provide better space and stability, especially if keeping multiple fish.
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Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C)
- Salinity: 1.022-1.025 SG (specific gravity)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: <20 ppm
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Filtration: As with all marine species, good water quality is critical. A high-quality filtration system is necessary to keep up with the waste produced by these active fish. A protein skimmer is recommended to help with organic waste removal and to maintain water clarity.
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Substrate and Decor: Spot-tail Coris naturally inhabit rocky and coral-rich environments, so you’ll want to provide live rock for hiding, foraging, and exploring. They also enjoy sand or fine gravel substrate, as they may dig or bury themselves when stressed.
Feeding
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Diet: Coris caudimacula are omnivorous and primarily feed on small invertebrates, crustaceans, and plankton in the wild. In captivity, their diet should consist of a variety of meaty foods (like brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and chopped seafood) and algae-based foods (like spirulina, algae sheets, or high-quality pellets).
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Feeding Frequency: Feed them 2-3 times a day, offering small, varied meals. They are opportunistic feeders and can adapt to a variety of foods, so long as it's nutritionally balanced.
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Variety: Offer a mix of frozen foods (e.g., mysis, artemia), pellets, flakes, and fresh seafood to provide the necessary nutrients. Including vegetable matter, such as algae, is important for their health.
Tankmates
Spot-tail Coris are relatively peaceful, but their behavior can vary depending on their temperament and the size of the tank. They are best kept with other non-aggressive species. They can sometimes be territorial towards other wrasses or similarly shaped fish, so providing plenty of space and hiding spots is crucial.
- Good Tankmates: Tangs, clownfish, gobies, and peaceful species of damsels, dottybacks, and angels.
- Avoid: Keeping them with overly aggressive or large fish, particularly other wrasses, may result in territorial conflicts.
Health and Behavior
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Behavioral Traits: Spot-tail Coris are typically active and curious, often hunting around the substrate and live rock for food. They might bury themselves in the sand when stressed or to sleep. If they are being harassed or feel unsafe, they might hide more than usual.
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Stress Indicators: If stressed, these fish may lose their vibrant coloration, hide excessively, or stop eating. Proper acclimation, stable water conditions, and tankmates that are not overly aggressive will help reduce stress.
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Parasite Control: As opportunistic feeders, Spot-tail Coris can help control certain parasite loads in the aquarium, but they should still be quarantined before introduction to new tanks to prevent introducing diseases.
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Lifespan: With proper care, Coris caudimacula can live 5-7 years or more in captivity.
Conclusion
The Spot-tail Coris (Coris caudimacula) is a beautiful and relatively hardy wrasse species that adds activity and interest to a reef aquarium. They are not overly demanding but do require appropriate space, water quality, and a varied diet to thrive. A well-maintained environment with ample hiding spots and proper tankmates will help them flourish and provide years of enjoyment in your tank