Formosa Wrasse – Juvenile- Sri Lanka

Coris formosa

The Formosa Wrasse is a stunning and vibrant species known for its dramatic color transformation as it matures. Juveniles display a bright red-orange body adorned with bold white spots bordered in black, while adults develop a rich bluish-green coloration with electric blue and yellow highlights, particularly on the head and fins. Their vivid appearance and energetic behavior make them a standout in very large marine aquariums. Formosa wrasses thrive in spacious tanks that feature a mix of open swimming areas and rockwork for shelter. Because they are known to upend loose structures, all decorations should be securely anchored. A deep sandy substrate is essential, as they often bury themselves at night or when startled. Due to their tendency to jump, a tightly fitting, escape-proof lid is highly recommended. Carnivorous by nature, the Formosa wrasse readily accepts a varied diet of frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, high-quality pellets, and flakes. Feeding should be done 2–3 times daily. This species also contributes to aquarium health by preying on nuisance pests such as flatworms and bristle worms. Reaching up to 24 inches in length, the Formosa wrasse requires a minimum tank size of 250 gallons. In the wild, it is found throughout the Western Indian Ocean—from the Red Sea and South Africa eastward to Sri Lanka—with this fish being collected near Sri Lanka. It typically inhabits weedy, algae-rich seagrass beds at depths of up to 150 feet.