Comb Wrasse (Coris picta)

The Comb Wrasse (Coris picta) is a temperate-subtropical species from southeastern Australia and New Zealand, making it one of the most unusual Coris wrasses available to the hobby. Juveniles display a vivid white-and-black pattern with red accents that transforms dramatically in adult fish. Its cool-water requirements make it a specialist species rarely kept outside public aquariums and dedicated temperate marine enthusiasts.

Requires a cool-water marine system maintained at 18–23°C — standard tropical marine temperatures are fatal. Provide a deep sand bed (10 cm+) for sleeping and burrowing. Feed meaty foods including krill, prawn, and invertebrates daily. Not suitable for warm tropical reef systems. Best kept as the sole Coris in the tank.