Little Shop of Coral
Twin Spot Coris Wrasse (Coris aygula)
Twin Spot Coris Wrasse (Coris aygula)
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The Twin Spot Coris Wrasse is a high-energy show fish best known for its dramatic juvenile pattern, including the two signature black spots near the dorsal area. As it matures, it goes through a major color change into a larger, more subdued adult. This is a bold wrasse that needs lots of swimming space, a sandbed for burying, and tank mates that can handle an increasingly confident personality.
Why we love it
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Iconic juvenile look with the recognizable twin-spot pattern
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Very active swimmer with tons of personality
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Great centerpiece fish for large fish-only or aggressive community systems
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Fascinating transformation as it grows from juvenile to adult coloration
Care & Compatibility
Care Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Temperament: Semi-aggressive (often becomes more assertive with size)
Reef Safe: No
Diet: Carnivore
Adult Size: Large (commonly 12 to 18 inches possible long-term)
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons recommended (300 gallons or larger ideal for adults)
Feeding
Offer a varied carnivore diet and feed consistently.
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Frozen mysis, brine shrimp, krill
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Chopped seafood like shrimp, clam, squid
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High-quality marine pellets once established
Feeding well helps reduce “hunting” behavior toward tank mates and keeps weight on as it grows.
Tank & Setup Notes
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Needs a sandbed for sleeping and security. Aim for 2 to 3 inches minimum.
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Provide lots of open swimming room plus rockwork for breaks in line-of-sight
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Strong filtration and oxygenation recommended due to size and activity level
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A secure lid is recommended since wrasses can jump, especially when newly introduced
Compatibility Tips
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Best with larger, confident tank mates
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Not invert safe. It may eat or harass shrimp, crabs, snails, and similar invertebrates
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Can rearrange the tank by digging and burying items, so keep frags secured and off the sandbed
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Avoid mixing with very small fish that could be bullied as it grows
Acclimation & Health
Slow acclimation is recommended. This species typically settles best when it has a sandbed to bury in right away and is offered meaty foods early and often. Quarantine is ideal when possible, but make sure the fish has shelter and is feeding aggressively before moving forward.
Collapsible content
LIGHT
LOW: Place coral at the bottom of the tank. Depending on the type, coral may need to be placed off sand and therefore mounted on a ceramic disc of piece of rock.
MEDIUM: Place coral at mid-range of the tank. Best placed/glued on top of a rock scape at mid-range height.
HIGH: Place coral from mid range to just below water level. SPS coral are shallow growing so they require and are able to tolerate intense light.
FLOW
LOW: Most soft coral do well with a small, gentle pulse. There are certain corals that can even be placed in areas of indirect flow, meaning places aside a rock structure or set into a entrance to a cave style space.
MEDIUM: Many LPS types of coral prefer medium pulse current. Most Euphyllia or corals that have more tissue structure connected to their skeleton, don’t like to be in a high flow area like the direct flow of the wave pump.
HIGH: Similar to high light, SPS enjoy being in some heavy current. Most LPS and SPS that branch encrust or plate prefer high flow that simulates the top water waves.
SKILL
ENTRY: While some may say beginner level, "Entry" is a good term to be used when starting out in the world of corals and marine life. Prior to adding livestock, you want to ensure that your reef has the proper parameters including zero levels of ammonia and nitrite. Seeing traces of nitrate in your waters is a good sign - just keep them at a lower level of 2ppm to 10ppm. Maintaining correct temperature and salinity are a huge factor to stable parameters. Starting to monitor your PH, alkalinity, calcium and magnesium is a great habit to get into to keep a successful reef.
While some soft coral don’t require too much light, having a proper reef light that puts out the proper pars is very important. You'll also want to have a good amount of flow and protected rock areas, as placing corals in their happy spot is ideal for success.
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