Green Coris Wrasse

The Green Coris Wrasse (Halichoeres chloropterus) is an active, sand-diving fish. Juveniles are bright green, gradually shifting to a subdued yellow-green or brownish tone as they mature. This change is normal and does not indicate poor health.

Native to Indo-Pacific reefs, it cruises the water column and searches sand and rockwork for small invertebrates. It buries itself at night and when startled. Once established, it may also pick off pyramid snails and other small nuisance pests.

Quick Care Guide

Care Level: Difficult
Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Carnivore
Reef Safe: Yes
Region: Indo-Pacific
Scientific Name: Halichoeres chloropterus

Tank Requirements

Provide ample swimming space and a soft, fine sandbed at least 2 to 3 inches deep. The wrasse sleeps beneath the substrate and dives into it when startled. Avoid sharp gravel and crushed coral, which can cause injury.

Use generous rockwork with open channels and broken sightlines to support foraging and reduce territorial tension. A tightly fitted lid is essential because this wrasse can jump through small gaps. It also needs a stable, mature system and can be sensitive during acclimation and quarantine.

Diet and Feeding

In the wild, the Green Coris Wrasse searches for small crustaceans, worms, mollusks, and other benthic invertebrates. In captivity, offer mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and quality marine flakes or pellets formulated for carnivorous fish. Chopped seafood, krill, and occasional live or frozen copepods can add variety.

Feed small portions two to three times daily, placing food in the water column and across the substrate. It may hunt flatworms, bristleworms, and small crustaceans, but should not be treated as a complete pest-control solution. Avoid overfeeding, as its strong appetite can affect water quality.

Temperament and Tankmates

Generally peaceful with robust tankmates, this wrasse can become assertive toward its own kind and similarly shaped wrasses, especially in confined quarters. Keep it singly unless the system is very large or the fish are a proven pair.

Potential tankmates include tangs, clownfish, dwarf angelfish, gobies, blennies, chromis, and other reef-safe fish that are not overly timid. Extremely passive fish and smaller, delicate wrasses may be intimidated in crowded conditions. Adding the wrasse after calmer fish have settled may improve compatibility.

Reef Compatibility

Corals are not at risk, but ornamental invertebrates require caution. As it matures, the wrasse may prey on small shrimp, tiny crabs, feather duster worms, bristleworms, and many small snails.

Cleaner shrimp, sexy shrimp, peppermint shrimp, and other small decorative crustaceans should generally be kept separately. Larger, sturdier snails and invertebrates may coexist, but there is no guarantee.

Water Parameters

Temperature: 74–80°F
Specific Gravity: 1.020–1.026
pH: 8.1–8.4
Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

Keep these parameters stable and avoid rapid changes.

Common Considerations

• Sandbed requirement: Provide at least 2 to 3 inches of soft, fine sand for sleeping and refuge. Sharp substrates can cause injury.
• Jumping risk: Use a tightly fitted lid at all times, as this wrasse can jump through small gaps.
• Invertebrate risk: Small ornamental shrimp, crabs, and many snails may be eaten as the wrasse matures, although corals are unaffected.
• Quarantine sensitivity: A quarantine period of 3 to 4 weeks is strongly advised. Provide soft substrate and use extra caution with some medications.
• Mature coloration: Bright juvenile green often shifts to a subdued yellow-green or brownish tone in adulthood. This is a normal developmental change.