Clown Wrasse vs Red Coris Wrasse

[NYPathfinder]

Hey all,
My boyfriend and I went to our LFS today and they had this gorgeous fish for sale ($30) they labeled a "Clown Wrasse". Both of us, fish freaks, had never seen this thing before.
This guy had one of those "psychedlic" patterns on his head (yellow/green/bluish swirls) and a wrasse-like body. It actually looked like a Klunzinger's Wrasse but the colors were less pastel.
Given that the staff at the LFS has always been knowledgeable I believe they labeled the fish correctly.
I've been trying to find some more information on this fish on the web, however I'm finding that a lot of sites refer to the Clown Wrasse as another name for the Red Coris Wrasse. One site, actually, had a pic of a Dragon wrasse and labeled it as a clown wrasse; I guess those folks are mighty confused.
Can anyone offer any insight to this elusive species? ie. minimum tank size, diet, demeanor, etc?
I'm sure their traits are consistent with the rest of the Wrasse family, but I was wondering if they've got any special needs.
The more I get into this hobby, the more I exhaustively research every potential purchase. I just want to make sure this lil fella will be a happy addition to my tank.
Thanks,
Lisa

[Casey]

Here Lisa .
Fishcyclopedia / Parade of breeds / Saltwater


Common Name

Clown Wrasse



Family

Labridae

Coris Gaimardi

Location

This fish is located in the warm ocean climates of the Indo-Pacific.



Size

Up to 8 inches (20cm)



Temperature Zone

74-80F (22-27C)

Diet

Natural foods consist of plankton, and other small sea-life. In captivity this fish is usually very easy to feed and will accept flaked foods, and frozen/chopped seafood.

General Information

This is a very popular aquarium fish. The color change that the clown wrasse (and its’ cousins) go through is very interesting to watch. Just like some of the angelfish, this wrasse completely changes color and patterns until full adulthood. The young look more like a clown anemone fish with an orange body covered in white blotches that are circled in black. The adult is much darker and has many more smaller dots on the body color that is now more purple or blue instead of orange

Tips

This fish is a good choice for informed hobbyists who want some excitement. Overall, a very beautiful, easy to care for, and very entertaining fish. The clown is generally a well-mannered fish and won’t disturb others. The clown wrasse only needs a clean, soft sand substrate to be comfortable.

[NYPathfinder]

Casey,
Thanks for your quick reply.
I've found a pic on the web of hte fish that I saw at the LFS.
I don't believe it's a red coris.
We've had a red coris in the past and this guy's got different coloring.
I just called the LFS and they're sure it's a Clown wrasse (not a Red Coris).
Does it look like anyting you've seen?
Thanks,
Lisa

[Casey]

This is called a clown wrasse alsoThere is so many color variations I would just assume yours is a clown to

[Awestralian]

Originally posted by NYPathfinder
Casey,
Thanks for your quick reply.
I've found a pic on the web of hte fish that I saw at the LFS.
I don't believe it's a red coris.
We've had a red coris in the past and this guy's got different coloring.
I just called the LFS and they're sure it's a Clown wrasse (not a Red Coris).
Does it look like anyting you've seen?
Thanks,
Lisa

Could be a Greenback Fairy Wrasse?