Coris wrasse growth and compatibility

[Ben jammin]

About a year ago, I ordered a red coris wrasse online. it was supposed by 3-4", adult coloration, which I figured would grow to 4-6" within a year or so. Well, the wrasse they sent me was about 2.5" and in a transitional coloration. It is still alive and well, having survived various bouts of flukes and ich in the tank, but it has barely grown at all. It is still less than 3" with the same transitional coloration. I really want a large, full adult red coris as I think it's one of the most spectacular fish available. I could never hope to catch my current one, so I'm wondering what would happen if I purchased a larger adult and added him to the same tank. Is the larger one likely to kill the smaller one, or is there a chance they get along or at least ignore each other due to the size disparity. The tank is fairly large - a 260 gal FOWLR, so I'm hoping there would be enough room that they could coexist, but I am interested in any experience folks on here may have keeping multiple coris wrasses together. Thanks.

 

[Reefing Madness]

 

[Ben jammin]

I did a lot of poking around online and asked the question of Wet Web Media, and all indications are that coris wrasses do tolerate conspecifics if there's enough space, and particularly if they are of different sizes. So, I am going to give it a go if and when I can find a nice specimen in the 4-6" range.

 

[fragman4]

My buddy has 2 in a 220g tank. He started them out as juvis so I can't comment if adding after one has been established will work. Every fish is different so hopefully you get a match!

 

[Steven@]

I added two to my 220 and after 6 months they both grew to 4 inches... However one would chase the other one and finally chased him out of the tank one night and I lost him... Now the other one is 6 inches and happy alone... let us know how it turns out and keep the screen on the top of the tank.

 

[Ben jammin]

I've got tight fitting lids and a deep tank (30"), jumping is not a problem. Finding one will be. I don't see them in my LFS' all that often, and finding one that's the right size, healthy, active, and good coloration might take awhile. I will post when I do though!